ECOWAS Parliament Divided Over Proposed Military Intervention In Niger Republic

The political development in Niger Republic has divided the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament.

Naija News earlier reported that the parliament held a virtual Extra-Ordinary Session on Saturday to discuss the military takeover of power in the West African country.

It was gathered that the parliament were divided on how best to address the political impasse caused by the ouster of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.

According to reports, while some members advocated a military action that would stem coup d’etat within the region, others said dialogue and diplomacy were the best ways to solve the crisis.

The members who were against military intervention stated the consequences that could befall the masses if the country was invaded by forces trying to dislodge the coup leaders.

The ECOWAS Parliament has a total of 115 seats and 14 Standing Committees. Each member state is guaranteed a minimum of five seats allotted, with the remaining 40 seats distributed in proportion to the population of each country.

Consequently, Nigeria has a total of 35 seats, followed by Ghana with eight seats. Côte d’Ivoire is allotted seven seats, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal have six seats, respectively.

The remaining ECOWAS member states, namely Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, have allotted to each of them five seats.