Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photo/REUTERS
ANKARA – Turkey is exploring how it can play a key role in restoring democratic order in Niger, where the military seized power last month.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed this while returning from a trip to Hungary on his presidential plane. The Niger coup sparked sanctions and threats of armed intervention from regional neighbours.
Turkey’s president described plans by ECOWAS, a regional bloc of West African countries, to deploy troops against Niger’s coup leaders as “unacceptable.”
The bloc is calling for the military government in Niger to free ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and restore him to power.
“I do not consider the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) correct to intervene militarily in Niger. Military intervention in Niger means spreading instability to many African countries,” Erdogan warned.
The West African government has set up a “standby force”, which it says will be used in Niamey to quash the coup if “chosen” diplomatic efforts fail.
In his comments on Monday (21/8/2023), Erdogan said Turkey will continue to support Niamey, believing “the people of Niger will safeguard democracy and hold elections as soon as possible.”
According to the Turkish leader, talks about the “important” role his country can play in resolving the conflict in “friendly and fraternal” Niger are being carried out by his foreign ministry.
2023-08-22 14:01:35
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