Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and a representative in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, has commended the regional group’s decision to deploy its standby force for the purpose of reinstating constitutional order in Niger.
Ayariga highlighted the significance of resolving the Nigerien crisis through diplomatic means, while also stressing the importance of showcasing ECOWAS’ military capabilities. This is particularly relevant as the military junta in Niger has shown reluctance to engage in dialogue following the coup on July 27.
“We all believe that ultimately the issue should be resolved diplomatically but for diplomacy to work effectively, the military option has to remain on the table and those that ECOWAS will be engaging in Niger must understand that ECOWAS has the capacity to enforce its will and if ECOWAS does not demonstrate that capacity, the diplomatic option will not be an effective option. So I am not surprised that ECOWAS is sharpening its knife to demonstrate to the Nigerien junta that it has the capacity to enforce its will.”
“Ultimately, productive dialogue is the key to resolving this matter, but progress in that direction hinges on the Nigerien junta perceiving ECOWAS’ strength.”
Ayariga, the legislator representing Bawku Central, further urged the sub-region to determine the fundamental values to prioritize in its pursuit of development and diligently work towards attaining them.
“I will want to state that as a sub-region, we need to have a clear position on what values are most important to us. If the rule of law and democracy is important to us, then, we must all be ready to pay the price for making sure that we uphold these values and no price should be too dear to uphold these values.”
Source – citinewsroom.com
