Ghana’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has cautioned West African leaders against using military intervention to fight the junta in Niger, in their aim to restore constitutional rule in the country.

In a press release dated August 9, the NDC indicated that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) employing military interventions against Niger without exhausting all other diplomatic options will only exacerbate the crisis and lead to a bloodbath.

“The NDC does not support committing our gallant Ghanaian soldiers to any hasty ill-considered adventure. We are of the firm conviction that constructive dialogue and tactful diplomacy must be pursued further,” parts of the statement read.

“The unfolding situation in Niger requires cool heads, strategic rapprochement and a diplomatic approach which places the wishes of the people of Niger at the centre of an amicable resolution,” the party added.

They encouraged the military leaders in Niger to also embrace negotiations and be welcoming of peaceful diplomatic engagements.

The NDC also urged other African leaders to be receptive to their citizens’ needs amidst the growing number of coups on the continent.

They noted that “the African people seem to have grown impatient about delays in the democratic dividend. Bad governance, corruption, unemployment, state capture, neo-colonial entanglements, constitutional mutilation, and insensitive policies have become prevalent.”

This comes after the week’s deadline West African leaders in ECOWAS gave Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face military action passed.

The ultimatum came after soldiers in the West African country of Niger announced a coup on national TV, on July 27.

They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.

But after the deadline, the military junta in Niger is still yet to hand over power to the ousted president or begin a process of leading the country back to constitutional rule.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at ECOWAS has said that the regional bloc will only employ a military intervention as a last resort in its aim to restore constitutional rule in Niger.

Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews, Ambassador Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah said ECOWAS has an array of interventions for their fight for constitutional order and will only use military force when all available options does not provide the expected outcome.

Read more: Niger: Military intervention will be ECOWAS’ last resort – Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah

Read NDC's full statement below: