The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, James Cleverly, has stated that the UK government does not support a military intervention to restore democracy in Niger Republic. He said this on Tuesday at a press briefing in Lagos.
Cleverly said, “The use of force to redraw borders or to take political control of countries is something we do not support. We believe in democracy. We value ECOWAS’s explicit commitment to democracy and we sincerely hope that democracy will be established in Niger without the need for military intervention.”
On Sunday in Abuja, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders in a statement demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of elected President Mohamed Bazoum within one week. It added that “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.”
Cleverly added that “When it comes to Niger, the UK is very pleased to see regional African leaders take fast decisive actions to communicate their intentions because the message that that sends about African leaders being engaged and taking responsibility for the actions in their region and continent is incredibly important.
“I will be meeting with President Tinubu tomorrow and we will discuss what the UK can do to support African initiatives and actions rather than the UK trying to push ourselves to the front of this.
“It is absolutely right that African leaders are taking the primary position in response to the situation in Niger.”
The UK Foreign Secretary, who is in Nigeria on an investment drive, also noted that “Prosperity and security go hand in hand. Security gives confidence for foreign investors to invest in a country, and this means the potential of Nigeria is optimised.”
He added that primary responsibility of governments is security for their own people
“We will always look for opportunities to help the Nigerian government enhance security for the people of Nigeria. We will continue to look for ways to enhance our mutual security.”