SW News: Pope Francis made an earnest plea for peace in West Africa’s Niger during his customary Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s Square on August 20. The pontiff said he was following with concern the situation in the country after a coup overthrew its legitimately elected president.

The pope said he was uniting his voice with the appeal of the bishops seeking peace and stability in the country located in the Sahel region of Africa. He also said he was spiritually accompanying the endeavors of the global community to find a peaceful answer to the crisis in Niger as soon as possible. Let us pray for the dear people of Niger, said the pope while addressing believers.

Meanwhile, Church leaders from West Africa have sought a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger and they have strongly opposed any sort of military intervention in the country. Leaders of religious congregations have joined the voices of bishops in saying No to a military operation to end the crisis. They said it would only worsen the situation.

The Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa issued a statement calling for restraint, discernment and responsibility on the part of the Economic Community of West African States in this delicate matter.

Separately, in Niger’s capital Niamey, thousands took to the streets on Sunday, August 20, to show support for the soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Demonstrators gathered on the Place de la Concertation chanting slogans such as “No to sanctions”, “Down with France” and “Stop the military intervention”. This came after General Abdourahamane Tiani, the military ruler, announced a transition schedule of a maximum of three years.