Kano-LEADS Cautions Against Military Intervention in Niger

Kano-LEADS Cautions Against Military Intervention in Niger Republic

 

Kano-LEADS has cautioned against the use of military power by the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), in Niger Republic.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Alh. Bashir M. Dalhatu and the organization’s President, Haj. Aisha I. Dankani and issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Kano called for diplomatic options to address the situation.

The statement reads; “We, the Kano-LEADS family, an advocacy group committed to fostering economic growth, peace and social progress in Kano, Jigawa states and the wider Nigerian society, wishes to express our grave concern and objections regarding call for military engagement with our neighboring country, Niger Republic”.

“While we acknowledge the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully removed a democratically elected government, however, we firmly believe that pursuing a military action would have severe consequences for our nation’s economy, social cohesion, and overall security”.

The organization is greatly concerned that the military intervention could escalate tensions not only between our two nations but also among other neighboring countries.

According to the statement “Such escalation could lead to a wider regional crisis that threatens the stability of West Africa as a whole”.

Kano-LEADS noted the matter broadly as follows:

Economic Consequences:

“Engaging in a military intervention would inevitably divert significant resources away from essential development projects and initiatives that are crucial for the prosperity of our nation”.

“The financial burden of war would strain our economy, leading to reduced public investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation”.

“The disruption of trade routes and cross-border commerce would further dampen economic growth, affecting the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians”.

Social Implications:

“The proposed war may have a profound impact on our society, causing untold suffering and further displacement of communities, adding to the already internally displaced persons (IDPs), camps in Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Yobe among others”.

“It would exacerbate regional tensions and stretch our slim national resources. The loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of families would sow seeds of resentment and mistrust that could persist for generations, undermining our efforts to foster unity and national identity”.

Security Threats:

“The military engagement would potentially create a power vacuum, leading to anarchy and providing an opportunity for extremist groups, operating particularly in North-west and North-east to exploit the chaos and establish footholds”.

“Our own security forces would be stretched thin, diverting attention from existing security challenges within our borders. The resulting instability could exacerbate the spread of terrorism, arms trafficking, and other illicit activities, directly threatening the safety and stability of our nation”.

Kano-LEADS further  believed that diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful negotiations are the most effective and responsible means of resolving conflicts and ensuring the security of lives and properties.

The organization urged President Bola Ahmad Tinubu and the Chairman, ECOWAS to engage with Niger Republic and other regional partners to find peaceful solutions that will address the situation and promote stability in the West African sub-region.