By Samuel Ogunsona
The Igbo community in Niger have held a rally calling for dialogue instead of military intervention in Niger Republic.
The Igbos met in Niamey, the capital of Niger where they called for understanding as against plans by the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) to launch military intervention in the landlocked country.
Residents in Niger has matched out to rally for peace and reject the call for military action by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) against Niger Republic.
Micheal Igwe an official of the Igbo Conmunity in Niamey told Irohinodua in a chat that the Igbo community in Niger are worried about the impact of any military intervention by Nigeria on their livelihood in Niger.
“We dont want war in Niger. We opt for dialogue. There is no need for war,” Igwe said.
The Igbo rally took place opposite the country’s National Assembly building, Niamey in Niger Republic.
A speaker at the rally said “The Igbo ethnic group which hails from the Southeastern part of Nigeria constitutes part of the Nigers’ population of 27,300,357 people.”
Few days after the military coup in Niger Republic which upturned the constitutional political leadership of Mohammed Bazoum, ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja, the Nigeria capital to discuss a lasting solution for the reinstatement of the elected President.
During the meeting in Abuja with West Africa leaders, an agreement was reached to impose several sanctions on the country. ECOWAS said if the elected leader was not installed, force would be employed.
As part of the efforts by ECOWAS to restore democracy back in Niger, the military in Niger Republic was given 7-days ultimatum to reinstate, Mohammed Bazoum, as the elected president of Niger.
The expiration of the ultimatum is Sunday.
Moreover, countries like Mali and Burkina Faso who are also under military leadership have since expressed support for Niger.
The three countries have asked ECOWAS not to invade Niger.
There are presently six Africa countries under military control ( Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Sudan) with Niger Republic being the most recent.