Spain has promised its support To help the Economic Community of West African States defend democracy in its member states.
Some recent African Coup
On July 26, 2023, a group of military officers led by Gen. Tchiani Abdourahmane overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, which prompted a wave of sanctions on Niger by ECOWAS to force them to reinstate the expelled leader.
According to jerrymusa.com the sub-regional standby force was deployed under the direction of ECOWAS on August 10. Despite all efforts to engage in diplomacy, it has yet to attack the Niger Republic.
Additionally, the takeover in Gabon on August 30, 2023, comes after coups in Guinea, Chad, and Niger, as well as two each in Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020, which have alarmed foreign powers with competing strategic interests.
At the National Day of Spain in Abuja on Thursday, the ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Juan Sell, made the following remarks: “When addressing the UN General Assembly, President Tinubu, with full legitimacy, also spoke on behalf of Africa, since Nigeria does and does not have a direct impact on the continent, and in Western Africa in particular, and this entails, as the President also underscored the responsibility of leading by example.
Nigeria to lead by example
And while we’re on the subject of the region, let me take this occasion to offer ECOWAS our undivided support and that of the EU in their efforts to strengthen regional integration and defend democracy in member nations. Sell also promised to stand for Nigeria in its trying times.
Vanguard reports that as Nigeria enters a new phase, challenging but essential decisions are made, reforms are announced, and changes are implemented. We are aware that this presents difficulties for the populace, but Nigeria is a resourceful nation, and we are confident that you will succeed.
We wish to participate in that renewal process as partners since, as members of Team Europe in Nigeria, “we don’t walk alone.”