August 21, (THEWILL) – Turkish leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has rejected plans by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to deploy military action to restore democracy in Niger Republic.
The state television channel, TRT, quoted Erdogan as saying upon his return from a visit to Budapest, that any military intervention in Niger will destabilise the situation in many African countries.
President Erdogan said Ankara may play an important role in resolving the political impasse in Niger, adding that the foreign ministry is holding talks on the matter.
Calling for democratic elections in Niger, Erdogan said, “We are currently working on how we can play our key role here with our Foreign Affairs Ministry, and we will continue to do so, and we hope to get a solution in Niger.
“I hope Niger, friend and brotherly country, will achieve constitutional order and democratic governance at the earliest.
“I don’t find it the decision of the Economic Community of West African states to intervene militarily in Niger.
“Following the decision, Mali and Burkina Faso have also, warned that such military intervention in Niger would cost them war. A military intervention in Niger would mean instability would spread to many countries in Africa”, he said.
“I hope social peace and stability will be restored in Niger as soon as possible and the Nigerian people will protect democracy and hold elections at the earliest.
“We will continue to support the Nigerian people, a friendly and brotherly country.”
