Niger: Expert Warns Tinubu, ECOWAS To Thread Cautiously

A Peace and Conflict Studies expert, Prof. Isaac Albert, has advised President Bola Tinubu against a military response to Niger Republic’s civilian administration overthrow.

Albert, from the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan, emphasised potential risks, including the emergence of new terrorist groups.

Albert, in a chat with journalists, suggested that Tinubu, leading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), should consult security experts before any invasion, considering Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

He cautioned that attacking Niger could lead to increased terrorist activities in Nigeria, even though short-term victory might be possible.

He underscored the role of the Nigerien army in containing Boko Haram, warned of unreliable allies, and questioned the financial feasibility of an invasion given economic crises in ECOWAS countries.

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Regarding the power supply cutoff to Niger, Albert deemed it unnecessary, as international allies could help Niger restore electricity.

He cautioned that if Niger blocked dams providing electricity power to Nigeria, it might result in power loss.

Albert proposed a diplomatic approach, urging talks with the Nigerien military junta to set a timeline for their exit and pressuring them for elections within six months.

He believed diplomacy could yield faster results than a battlefield confrontation.

Meanwhile, a renowned political historian at Delta State University, (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Emmanuel Mordi has said there is no viable alternative to military intervention in the ongoing efforts to restore civilian rule in Niger.

Mordi opined that the various diplomatic measures already being explored by key stakeholders may not yield the desired results, noting that ECOWAS must act decisively to end military usurpation of power in the francophone country.