The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that Nigeria faces significant risks if Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso fail to return to democratic governance.
The three West African nations have been under military rule following recent coups, raising concerns about stability in the region.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s “Prime Time”, General Musa emphasized that leadership failures in these countries could have direct consequences for Nigeria.
Governance Challenges and Regional Instability
Musa highlighted the interconnected challenges affecting West Africa, including poverty, poor governance, and climate change, which have fueled unrest in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He stressed that these factors contribute to instability and could spill over into Nigeria.
“West Africa is facing serious challenges—poverty, governance failures, and climate change are making things worse in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These countries are under immense pressure because of their vast, underdeveloped territories and lack of political will to address key issues,” he stated.
The Defence Chief warned that as long as these problems persist, Nigeria will continue to feel the impact, despite its efforts to maintain stability within its borders.
The Need for Democratic Governance
General Musa insisted that restoring democracy in these countries is essential for their progress and regional security.
“The truth is, these three countries must get their leadership right. It is crucial for them to establish a democratic system that enables them to make sound decisions for their people. If they fail to do so, Nigeria stands to lose a lot,” he warned.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the implications of prolonged military rule in West Africa, particularly for regional trade, security, and diplomatic relations. Nigeria, as a key player in ECOWAS, has been at the forefront of efforts to restore civilian leadership in these nations.
With instability persisting in the region, the question remains: Will Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso heed the call for democratic transition, or will military rule deepen the crisis?
