In the midst of evolving political developments in Niger and neighboring West African countries, a resounding call has been made for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reassess the recent sanctions placed on Niger. The plea was articulated in a comprehensive communique presented by Ambassador Chris Iyama, the Executive Director of CYPA Africa and Country Director of Equity International Initiative (EII).
The communique was a highlight of a momentous one-day expert dialogue, held under the banner of “Addressing Root Causes of Military Interventions in ECOWAS States,” at the Crispan Hotel in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. The event was convened by Equity International Initiative in collaboration with CYPA Africa and Citizens Observers HOB (COH), and it united over 30 distinguished experts hailing from academia, civil society organizations, media, and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Notable attendees included esteemed figures like Prof Orisstuberg Amua, Prof Nnamdi Aduba, Prince Charles Dickson Phd, Sumaya Hamza Phd, Dr Joseph Yakubu, Dr Nenpo Gowon, and Dr Langi Danjuma.
The central thrust of the discussion revolved around the recent military coup in Niger, which resulted in the removal of President Muhammad Bazum from power. In response, ECOWAS swiftly enacted a series of sanctions targeting the leadership of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and its head, Abdourahamane Tchiani. The regional bloc rejected the coup and has adamantly called for the restoration of democratic governance under Bazum.
Addressing the implications of this military intervention, the experts highlighted a range of factors that have contributed to the complex situation in Niger and similar ECOWAS member states. These include internal elements such as economic disparities, corruption, lack of political accountability, human rights abuses, and erosion of social justice. Additionally, external factors were cited, including France’s policies in Francophone West Africa, double standards exhibited by the ECOWAS Commission, international conflict profiteering, and the influence of social media misinformation.
Ambassador Chris Iyama emphasized the urgency of effective leadership and transformative governance to mitigate the humanitarian crisis triggered by the military intervention. He outlined the far-reaching consequences of the Niger situation, including potential insecurity escalation across the sub-region, disruptions to regional relationships, and adverse socio-economic effects on Nigeria.
The dialogue culminated in a series of crucial recommendations aimed at addressing the root causes and ramifications of military interventions within ECOWAS states:
- Review of France’s colonial policies.
- Reassessment of the 1979 ECOWAS protocol and other trade agreements to foster socio-economic collaboration among African nations.
- Encouragement of governmental accountability within ECOWAS member states.
- Proactive measures to combat insecurity.
- Enhanced control of porous West African borders.
- Leadership by ECOWAS in driving socio-economic progress.
- Restoration of confidence in democratic systems through recalibration of the ECOWAS Commission’s stance on democracy and good governance.
- Strengthened collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the ECOWAS Commission to bolster citizen participation, governance accountability, and democratic institutions.
- Empowerment of Africans to take charge of their narrative and development trajectory.
- Advocacy for transparent, fair, and free elections reflecting citizens’ choices.
- Recognition of democracy as the preferred governance model, aligned with citizens’ aspirations.
- Emphasis on diplomatic solutions for crisis resolution, rather than military actions, as proposed by ECOWAS.
- Promotion of effective job creation for citizens.
- Thorough review of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger to facilitate continuous dialogue and safeguard citizens’ welfare.
- Advancement of an independent, corruption-free judiciary within member states.
The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering regional stability, progress, and collaborative efforts to address the underlying challenges of military interventions.
