Good People, we the people won: “The security committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which includes Military Chiefs from several West African nations, announced on Friday their intention to prioritize diplomacy in addressing the situation in the Republic of Niger concerning the actions of the junta.”

Yes, ECOWAS military chiefs are not going to mobilize to wage war against their brothers and sisters in Niger Republic. Rather, they will return to the barracks while politicians explore dialogues. And I ask them to be ferocious on those dialogues; we do not want military rule even as we do not want military confrontations in Africa.

More so, as Nigeria cuts off power to Niger, let me remind our leaders in Abuja that according to my Geography class in secondary school, River Niger gets a lot of its inflows from Niger. We have to be super-careful that they will not sabotage the water level, since if they do, our hydroelectric dams in Niger State will see diminished capacity. Niger Republic cannot build a dam upstream so that our dams can function, and we’re obligated to supply them electricity, under the agreement. So, we must check if we’re violating that agreement. If they retaliate, Nigeria could be in trouble.

That said, I thank all the ECOWAS leaders for freezing any kinetic action. You see, I am against wars because Nigeria’s genocide in Southeast Nigeria was real. Nigeria unleashed uncommon wickedness against fellow Africans, at home and abroad. My mother’s only surviving brother (Engr Augustine) perished in London along with many young Igbo men in a war fought in Southeast Nigeria. No one has explained what happened to them!

So, if they start wars in Niger and foreign powers make alliances, everyone, irrespective of where you are, is at war. Ask Russians living outside Russia today. So, to live in peace anywhere, NO Wars in Africa. The past is past; I just want Africa not to make that mistake again, as many here have no scars of wars, to understand that once started, the paths are unknown!

Update: the Nigerian Senate has made it official – no military option in Niger Republic.

Senators have rejected the request by President Bola Tinubu for permission to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the democratically elected president of the country,

President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed on 26 July in a coup led by his presidential guards.
ECOWAS leaders at a meeting in Abuja four days later gave the coup leaders a seven-day ultimatum to restore constitutional order or face the possible use of force. The regional body imposed sanctions on the coup leaders with Nigeria also cutting electricity supplies and closing its borders with the poor West African nation.

Following the refusal of the coup leaders to backtrack, West African defence chiefs said they had drawn a plan for military action as part of which President Tinubu wrote the Senate for permission to involve Nigerian troops in the action.

However, at an executive session on Saturday, the senators rejected the request by the president.

According to a senator who attended the meeting, senators agreed to pass a resolution condemning the coup and to commend ECOWAS leaders on their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger, but they ruled out military options.

“Almost all the senators spoke and totally ruled out the military options because of many factors and also because of the harmonious relationship that Nigeria and Niger has always enjoyed.

“Senators instead urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation with the coup leaders by again sending a high-powered delegation to Niamey. Someone suggested that elderstatemen like Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau and Abdulsalam Abubakar should be sent as special envoys to dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution.

“Senators opposed to military action pointed out that our military is highly ill-equipped and not prepared to fight any war.They said that we have fragile peace in Nigeria and that Niger is the highest arms market in Africa.

It is called a free society. Telling a country not to wage wars because those wars will affect you is not talking down on your country. I understand that everything is seen from the tribal angle (If Musa or Kemi had written this,you would not comment as done).

If Nigeria and…

— Ndubuisi Ekekwe (@ndekekwe) August 5, 2023

My Response: It is called a free society. Telling a country not to wage wars because those wars will affect you is not talking down on your country. I understand that everything is seen from the tribal angle (If Musa or Kemi had written this, you would not comment as done). If Nigeria and ECOWAS are using the pretense of democracy to wage war in Niger, and you are here chastising people for expressing free speech rights, ask yourself what drives you. You cannot have it both ways. That said, I do not care how you feel; my happiness is that ECOWAS will explore dialogues.

Comment on Feed

Comment 1: We have emerged victorious! As the united and compassionate citizens of Africa, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to ECOWAS for making a profound decision in favour of peace over chaos. Our voices have been heard, and we commend ECOWAS for diligently listening to our repeated calls for an intellectual dialogue to resolve the crisis in Niger.

This momentous achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and diplomacy. By choosing a path of dialogue and understanding, ECOWAS has demonstrated its commitment to promoting stability and harmony in the region.

As we celebrate this triumph, let us continue to stand together as one, supporting peaceful resolutions and advocating for the well-being of all nations within Africa. With ECOWAS leading the way, we can work hand in hand to address challenges and create a brighter future for our beloved continent.

Once again, we express our sincere appreciation to ECOWAS and all stakeholders involved in this significant decision. Together, we forge ahead towards a more peaceful and prosperous Africa.

With gratitude,
The Good People of Africa

Comment 2:  I keep racking my brains about how humans always preferred war to negotiating table. After that, they return to the negotiating table after lives and properties have been destroyed.

Though in conflict resolution and management, we were told that there are three basic ways to achieve peace, that’s, Dialogue, Ignore, and War. However, going to war should never be the first option, rather a last resort.

Comment 3: Folks often the point in this debacle.

The threat of ECOWAS military intervention and imposition of sanctions and blockades are part of the responses required to force the Nigerien coupists to the negotiations table and relinquish power.

Aside the effect it would have on the junta who hijacked power unconstitutionally, It is almost certain that other prospective coupists who may have been planning a similar takeover in their own country will be watching keenly as events unfold in Niger.

ECOWAS going to war was always going to be the last card and not the first line of action. I do not believe that in the spirit of African brotherhood, any African leader is genuinely keen on waging war against a fellow African nation.

My Response: “The threat of ECOWAS military intervention and imposition of sanctions and blockades are part of the responses required to force the Nigerien coupists to the negotiations table and relinquish power. ” – unfortunately, they did not get that memo. Period, they’ve mobilized waiting to engage. Threats do not work unless you’re a civilian regime.

The security committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which includes Military Chiefs from several West African nations, announced on Friday their intention to prioritize diplomacy in addressing the situation in the Republic of Niger concerning the actions of the junta.

This follows growing antiwar calls spearheaded by Nigerians, whose President, Bola Tinubu, is leading the military charge against the Niger coupists, who had overthrown the democratic government of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 26. Tinubu had on Friday, written the National Assembly, notifying them of sanctions and possible military action against the junta.

However, in a twist that has delighted anti war advocates, the Chiefs of Defence Staff from Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Cote’Divoire, Cape Verde, and the Republic of Benin, said at the end of their two-day high-powered delegation meeting, that they’re reconsidering a military approach.

The meeting, initiated on Wednesday and presided over by Gen. Christopher Musa, the President of ECOWAS Military Chiefs at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, was not attended by soldiers from Mali, Niger, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. These countries are under military rule.

Reading the statement from the meeting to the press, Gen. Musa disclosed that they decided to enhance diplomatic endeavors aimed at involving all pertinent parties. The focus is on promoting dialogue and negotiations as the primary strategy for resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.

“It has been an honour to preside over this extraordinary meeting on the situation of the recent coup in the Niger Republic as the President of this honourable committee of the CDS of ECOWAS States,” Musa said.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your insightful contributions, thoughtful deliberations, and unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and stability in our region.

“Throughout our discussions, we have collectively recognized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. The deliberations have been marked by a spirit of unity, cooperation, and determination to address the challenges at hand.

“We have examined the immediate implications of the coup on the Niger Republic and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region. We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa.

“I am pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations. We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions.

“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.

“Firstly, we must emphasize the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The coup in the Niger Republic represents a blatant disregard for these fundamental principles that underpin our regional integration and stability. We must unequivocally condemn such actions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy.

“Secondly, we must strengthen our regional security architecture and enhance our collective response to security challenges. The coup in the Niger Republic has highlighted the fragility of our region and the need for a robust and proactive security framework.

“We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and capacity-building initiatives among our defense and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability.

“Thirdly, we must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders. Dialogue and negotiation should be at the forefront of our approach to resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.

“We must engage with the transitional authorities, civil society organizations, and other key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process.”

Addressing the gathering, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at ECOWAS, stated that the authority of the Heads of State within ECOWAS was dedicated to eradicating all instances of unconstitutional power seizures in the sub-region. He however reiterated that military action is the last resort of the bloc.

He pointed out that there have been approximately eight to nine both successful and unsuccessful coups in West Africa over the past three years. He added that until three years ago, all ECOWAS member countries were led by democratically elected presidents.

Musah highlighted the increasing threat of military takeovers in West Africa in recent times. He stressed the importance of tackling this issue to prevent the region from becoming a subject of ridicule on both the African continent and the global stage.

“Respected chiefs of defense staff of our region, this is a clarion call to you. This is a test of the will of our militaries to demonstrate that we are having a democratically minded military whose responsibility is the protection of the state.

“So the diplomacy is being given a chance to succeed and like we said, the military option is the very last on the table. And if we can avoid that, a peaceful resolution is our preferred option but we have to prepare for all eventualities.

“The time has come again for ECOWAS to show that we are a rules-based organization, we are rule based countries; we cannot allow the rule by the Ballot Box to be replaced by the rule of Kalashnikovs,” he said.

Earlier meetings between ECOWAS leaders and the junta did not yield any positive result, prompting the West African leaders to declare their readiness to deploy military action.