Amidst Rising Anxieties in Niger Republic Borders, Igbo Residents Raise Voices Against Military Action
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
Anxieties have arisen within Nigerian communities bordering the Republic of Niger, particularly in the Northern region where seven states share borders with the country.
Nigerian residents of Southeastern origin living in the Niger Republic have expressed their dissent towards the proposed military intervention targeting coup leaders in Niger.
This action is being orchestrated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Excel Magazine International reports that the ECOWAS organization issued a deadline of seven days to the Niger coup plotters, headed by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, urging them to relinquish power to President Mohammed Bazoom or face potential military intervention.
To exert pressure on Niger, ECOWAS has imposed stringent sanctions, including the suspension of all financial transactions and the freezing of national assets. Additionally, the Nigerian government has suspended electricity supply to the country.
Although as confirmed by Excel Magazine International, the one-week ultimatum concluded on Sunday, yet the leaders of the Niger military have shown defiance.
They have severed connections with Nigeria, France, and other nations, cautioning that any military intervention would escalate into a full-scale war.
Residents of Nigerian communities bordering the Republic of Niger have also experienced apprehension. These communities are primarily located in the Northern region, where seven states share borders with Niger.
In response to the proposed military intervention, Southeastern Nigerians, commonly known as Igbo, residing in Niger, have urged both Tinubu and ECOWAS to reconsider their approach.
In a widely circulated video as obtained by Excel Magazine International, these individuals emphasized their amicable relationship with their host nation and express concerns that any form of action could adversely impact their lives and livelihoods in Niger.
“We are firmly against the prospect of conflict in the Niger Republic. Our coexistence with the local populace here is characterized by peace. We intend to engage in peaceful demonstrations to emphasize our desire for harmony,” some of them conveyed in the Igbo language in the video.
Further, the Nigerian Senate has rejected Tinubu’s proposition for a military intervention in Niger. Instead, they have advised both Tinubu and ECOWAS to explore diplomatic avenues for resolving the prevailing political crisis.
