The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation in Niamey, Niger (ANSA)
By Vatican News
Aug 21 2023
Pope Francis unites his voice with the Bishops of Niger appealing for peace in the country, and offers his prayers for the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution for the good of all the people of Niger and the Sahel region.
During Sunday’s Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said he is following with concern the situation in the West African nation of Niger. He said he unites his voice with the Bishops’ appeal for peace in the country and the stability in the Sahel region.
The Pope said he also accompanies with his prayers the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution there as soon as possible, for the good of all the people.
The Pope also called for prayers for peace in our world.
West Africa’s Church leaders have also appealed for a peaceful solution to the situation in Niger, expressing opposition to any military intervention. Leaders of religious orders working in West Africa have echoed the region’s Catholic Bishops in opposing any military intervention in coup-hit Niger, saying it would only worsen the situation.
In a statement shared last week with Aci Africa news agency, members of the Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) reiterated the appeal by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA-CERAO) to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to explore other forms of intervention in addressing the crisis, starting from seeking negotiations.
“We join calls for restraint, discernment, and responsibility on the part of ECOWAS and other regional and international bodies in this delicate matter,” said the statement. – Vatican News
