Niger: Pope Francis calls for a peaceful resolution of the crisis “for the good of all”
While the Heads of State of ECOWAS still hold the threat of a military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger, the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, advocates diplomatic solutions to pull Niger out of the crisis it’s facing. This exhortation aligns with the «call from bishops for peace in the country and stability in the Sahel».
During the Angelus prayer on Sunday, August 20, 2023, the pontiff urged everyone to prioritize peaceful means “for the good of all.”
«I am following with concern what is happening in Niger, and I join the bishops’ call for peace in the country and stability in the Sahel» Pope Francis stated after the weekly Angelus prayer.
«I unite in prayer with the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of all», added the 86-year-old Argentine.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has announced a chosen date for deploying its military force to Niamey, as Nigerien soldiers have been stationed at the border with Benin and Nigeria for a few days.
Will the leaders of the sub-region heed the call of the pontiff or disregard his message and proceed towards a war that would be perilous not only for Niger but also for the entire region, which is already strained by security challenges and economic difficulties?
Fayçal BADIE
