NIGER: TURKISH DIPLOMACY AT WORK FOR A PEACEFUL END TO THE CRISIS (RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN)
Like many wise political decision-makers, the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is opposed to the use of an ECOWAS armed force in Niger, and believes it would be fatal for the African continent. He therefore advocates diplomatic channels as a means of resolving the crisis currently prevailing in the Sahelian country.
On his return from Budapest on Sunday August 20, 2023, Erdogan spoke to journalists about a number of current hot topics, including the crisis in Niger.
« I don’t think the decision by the Economic Community of West African States to intervene militarily in Niger is fair. Following this decision, Mali and Burkina Faso also warned that such military intervention in Niger would be tantamount to waging war against them. A military intervention in Niger would mean that instability would spread to many African countries », he said, adding that this scenario was unacceptable.
He went on to say that his country’s diplomatic corps had begun behind-the-scenes talks to promote a calm settlement to the Niger crisis, banking on the organization of democratic elections in Niger, for a return to peace and stability.
« I hope that social peace and stability will be restored in Niger as soon as possible, and that the people of Niger will protect democracy and hold elections as soon as possible. As Türkiye, we will continue to support the people of Niger, a friendly and brotherly country », he concluded.
The Turkish President , Tayyip Erdogan was in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, at the invitation of his counterpart Katalin Novak, to mark the Hungarian national holiday and the World Athletics Championships.
As a reminder, last weekend General Abdourahamane Tchiani announced the convening of an inclusive dialogue to discuss the Transition, and reassured that the Transition would last no longer than three years.
OUEDRAOGO
