In separate phone conversations with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Thursday evening, the US Vice President Kamala Harris and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed strong support for Nigeria's efforts to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
The two leaders also praised Nigeria's President, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for driving peace efforts
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, several troops from the Presidential Guard sought to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum.
President Tinubu promptly rejected the threat to democracy in that country, dispatching a large delegation to meet with all parties in order to restore constitutional order in Niger.
At the request of US authorities, Harris called President Tinubu and complimented the Federal Government's reform initiatives, urging the country to continue in that way.
While committing to support democracy in Africa, including the West African subregion, Harris also stated that the US would help Nigeria fight terrorism.
The US Vice President spoke about the importance of energy transitions in Africa, including Nigeria.
In his response, the president thanked Kamala Harris for the telephone call and her words of encouragement on the efforts taken so far on the economy, but added that “the developments in Niger Republic dampen spirits.â€
He stated that ECOWAS, under his leadership, would do all possible to restore democracy in Niger, while banking on US help.
In Nigeria, President Tinubu pleaded for more private-sector investment, encouraging the United States to lead the way.
“We had to get rid of the fuel subsidy that is laden with fraud with a few people appropriating the wealth of the country to themselves.
“We would need the US to help push for investments that will help alleviate the effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria. We need foreign direct investment to come in.
“We have abundant gas resources in the country and not being able to fund gas pipelines to Europe and compete in that gas market is a handicap,†he said.
On climate change, the President stated that Nigeria would continue to rely on alternative energy, but he urged industrialized countries to recognize the situation in developing countries, notably Africa.
The two leaders also discussed how to deepen bilateral relations and collaborate on global and regional concerns.
Other topics covered in the 40-minute debate included protecting democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as digital inclusion.
President Tinubu told UN Secretary-General António Guterres that he was doing all necessary to address the Niger crisis.
While expressing hope that the situation in Niger may be improved, he stated that ECOWAS will require UN assistance in restoring democracy and developing institutions in that nation.
Guterres has already committed the UN's support for Tinubu's peace efforts in Niger.