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Niger Coup: Islamic Council, Catholic Bishops Warn Against Military Incursion
More organisations, including Islamic leaders and Christian leaders, have voiced their support for a peaceful approach to resolving the crisis in Niger Republic following the military coup d’état that ousted President Muhammed Bazoum.
Yesterday, both the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Catholic Bishops in West Africa urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, in particular, President Bola Tinubu to avoid military action in Niger due to the ugly consequences of armed conflict on the ordinary people.
The apex Islamic body, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, advised ECOWAS and President Tinubu to retrace their hard stance against the Republic of Niger.
The NSCIA, which gave the admonition in a statement issued by its deputy secretary-general, Prof. Salisu Shehu, yesterday, said such hard stance, including economic sanctions, are counter-productive and will eventually end in futility.
According to the NSCIA, both Nigerians and Nigeriens share common history and borders; therefore, imposing more stringent sanctions against Niger will have negative socio-economic implications – more pain and difficulties for the suffering masses – while the junta, with control of state resources, can live in comfort.
The Council observes with dismay that although the military junta in Niger has remained defiant, ECOWAS has just lately further imposed more stringent sanctions against it. But it is well known that such kinds of economic sanctions are counter-productive and eventually end in futility. It is the masses that do suffer the pains and difficulties of the sanctions while the junta that seizes power takes control of state resources and begins a life of indulgence. The Council therefore, calls on ECOWAS and in particular, the Nigerian Government to retrace their steps in this regard to avoid correcting wrong with another,” NSCIA’s statement read in part.
NSCIA also reminded President Tinubu who is spearheading the imposition of sanctions on Niger that thousands of Nigerian refugees are in Niger to whom the country provided succor and safe abode for several years now, insisting that, that rare hospitality and kindness should not be reciprocated with measures that would cause disaffection, breed hate and hostility and aggravate the sufferings of the downtrodden people across both sides of the borders.
“While it is understandable that the leadership of both ECOWAS and Nigeria must preserve and protect democracy by discouraging forceful take-over of power through military coup d’état, the NSCIA strongly implores the federal government of Nigeria and, by extension, the leadership of ECOWAS to continue to tread the path of dialogue rather than resorting to violence. This is because violence does more harm than the intended good in any circumstance. Should violence break out in Niger, it is the helpless and hapless masses, who had already been devastated and impoverished by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world economy, that would pay the very costly price, not the coup plotters,” the statement added.
Similarly, Catholic Bishops under the auspices of Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) has urged the authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to avoid the use of force to restore the constitutional regime in Niger Republic, expressing concern about the consequences of the proposed military intervention in the country.
RECOWA, which comprises all Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops in West Africa, also urged the sub-regional leaders to learn from what happened in Libya in 2011, describing it as a tragic example of the disastrous consequences for people’s lives, dignity and future.
The bishops expressed their concerns in a two-page letter addressed to the president of ECOWAS, Heads of State of ECOWAS and the Transitional Authorities in Niger, on August 7, calling for dialogue and reconciliation rather than belligerence and military response.
The letter, signed by the president of RECOWA and Bishop of Agboville, Most Rev. Alexis Touabli Youlo, is sequel to the military coup that displaced the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum in Niger Republic and the resolve of the ECOWAS Authority to deploy all means necessary, even the use of force, to restore the constitutional regime in Niger.
In the two-page letter, RECOWA canvassed pacifism rather belligerence in the management of the crisis, even as it invited every actor within the sub-region to show restraint, discernment and responsibility.
The letter read in part: “We, the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of the Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa, after consultations, are deeply concerned by the sub-regional tension linked to the political situation in Niger. Faced with the events currently unfolding in the sub-region, the lives of the people of West Africa are at stake.
“Keeping as our central vision the integrity of the people and emphasising respect for human dignity and a high sense of accountability to mankind, history and God the Creator, we affirm that nothing can justify the creation or facilitation of an environment that is destructive to our people.”
“We cannot remain silent in the face of such situations and must learn lessons to ensure that such events do not happen again, particularly with Niger as a potential epicentre of a similar crisis. As a Bishops’ conference, our mission is intimately linked to the Also, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to adopt military action in addressing the impasse arising from the Niger coup.
The SMBLF, however, commended the President for pursuing negotiation with the coup leaders through the former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto, saying the process should be accelerated using other sources both within Nigeria and the neighbouring countries that can be of benefit to the cause.
The leaders of the southern and middle belt regions stated this in a statement jointly signed by leader of the forum, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark; leader of Afenifere Chief Ayo Adebanjo; president-general, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; president, Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus; and national chairman of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The SMBLF leaders, who condemned the removal of the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, said, “We discourage the temptation to adopt military means to force the illegal government out of power. From our judgment, such a move will be resisted sternly by forces both within Niger and Nigeria.
“It is important to note that several of our Nigerian communities in the extreme north do not see Niger as mere neighbours but enjoy a lot of traditional and cultural ties. In those border areas, there is no difference between a Nigerian and a Nigerien.
“There are tenable concerns that if war comes, normal lives will be disrupted in the border communities, insecurity will increase, and there will be an influx of refugees. From our previous experience of wars, in Chad, such refugees do not stop at the border areas but penetrated the farthermost points in Nigeria and became a source of concern to all of us.”
August 10, 2023
Coup: ECOWAS Slam More Sanctions On Niger Republic
The Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has imposed fresh sanctions on Niger Republic following a coup by the military junta.
This is coming after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngeale, who addressed journalists on Tuesday, August 8, announced that more sanctions had been imposed on the individuals and entities relating with the military junta in Niger Republic.
Ajuri who did not share more details on the sanctions, said it is being carried out through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
August 8, 2023
AU, UN, and ECOWAS Delegation En Route to Niger for Negotiations
A joint delegation representing the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations is scheduled to travel to Niger on Tuesday to engage in discussions with leaders of the recent coup.
the delegation is expected to arrive in Niamey, the capital of Niger, within the next few hours. Their primary objective is to hold dialogues with the rebel leaders on behalf of the global community.
This diplomatic initiative aims to facilitate the reestablishment of the dismantled institutions within the country, as outlined by the broadcaster’s account.
Notably, the Nigerian government has conveyed its readiness to contribute over half of the proposed 25,000 troops for a potential intervention in Niger, according to statements attributed to a Nigerian official.
Furthermore, the military forces of Senegal, Benin, and Cote d’Ivoire have also been mentioned as potential participants in this endeavor.
The recent events stem from the coup that unfolded in Niger on July 26, 2023. During the coup, the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard, declared himself as the leader of a new military junta.
Following this takeover, the presidential guard enacted border closures, suspended state institutions, and enforced a curfew. This coup marks the fifth military takeover in Niger since the country’s independence from France in 1960 and the first such incident since 2010.
As of August 6, an estimated 57,000 soldiers were aligned with the coup plotters, while the ECOWAS coalition amassed a force of 245,000 troops. Notably, France has declined involvement in the situation.
August 8, 2023
“Niger Crisis Sparks Regional Insecurity Concerns, UN Warns”
The United Nations has raised the alarm about the escalating Niger crisis, expressing concerns over its potential impact on regional insecurity in West Africa. Léonardo Simão, the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for West Africa, addressed journalists at the UN headquarters in New York, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
During the briefing, Mr Simão reiterated the UN’s condemnation of the attempted overthrow of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. He also lent his support to the efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order and consolidate democratic gains in the country.
The UN envoy emphasized that if the unfolding crisis is not properly addressed, it could further worsen the already deteriorating security situation in the region. He also pointed out the negative impact it would have on the development and lives of the population, especially when over 4.3 million people in Niger require humanitarian assistance.
Speaking from Accra, Ghana, Mr Simão highlighted that Niger and the entire region need stability, peace, democratic governance, and prosperity, not coups d’état that destabilize the nation and the surrounding countries.
In response to the crisis, the 15-member bloc of West African States issued a communiqué during an extraordinary summit, demanding the reinstatement of Niger’s democratically elected president within a week. If this demand is not met, ECOWAS is ready to take all necessary measures, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order. The bloc also imposed financial sanctions on Niger and closed air and land borders with the country.
While some neighboring countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, expressed concerns about the potential use of force, Mr Simão explained that ECOWAS is currently focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, he expressed hope that military action would not be necessary and clarified that any decision to use force lies with ECOWAS, not the UN.
The UN envoy expressed his concern about the potential spread of terrorism in the region if the situation is not addressed promptly. He highlighted the importance of resolving the crisis peacefully to prevent any further escalation of violence.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also expressed deep concern about the reported arrests of several members of the ousted Niger government. The UN urges strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order.
read more:Gov. Diri Promises Corps Members Of Adequate Security
Despite the crisis, the UN and its humanitarian partners remain committed to providing vital aid to the most vulnerable segments of the population. To ensure the continuation of this crucial assistance, all partieso arged to create a conducie operating environment.
August 2, 2023
ECOWAS Order “No Flight Zone” On Niger Republic Amidst Military Coup
In a swift response to military coup in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has enforced a no-flight zone over the country.
The decision was announced today by the ECOWAS, at an urgent meeting following the increasing tension stirred by the military actors who are attempting to take over in Niger.
This significant move which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to political stability within the region.
The ECOWAS leadership believes that the imposition of a no-flight zone will help curb the junta’s influence and hinder any potential allies from providing aerial support, even as leaders of the coup fear that the regional body could stage an imminent military intervention in the capital of the Sahel country.
In addition to the no-flight zone, the regional body has agreed on immediate financial sanctions over the coup, and has given the junta a week to cede power, while noting that a use of force has not been ruled out.
ECOWAS also insisted that President Mohamed Bazoum remains recognized as president of Niger, and called upon member states and the international community to uphold and respect these decision, in an effort to help restore peace and stability in the republic.
Speaking at the emergency meeting which he presided over today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS denounced the coup by military leaders in Niger Republic, saying Africa has come of age.
Briefing leaders of the regional bloc, Tinubu registered the displeasure of ECOWAS at the coup d’état in the Niger Republic.
“Africa has come of age, we reject coup and interruption to constitutional order,” the Nigerian leader said amid applause.
“As African leaders, it is our sheer responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours.
“Working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always constantly be our goal and consistently, we will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun.”
Late Wednesday, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the chief of Niger’s powerful presidential guard took power after a military coup. The action has since been condemned by the United Nations, African Union, the European Union, the United States among other world and regional leaders.
Tchiani, 59, has shunned the limelight despite a stellar military career which saw him lead the elite 700-member unit from 2011 up until now.
On Friday, Tchiani declared himself leader after staging a takeover that began on Wednesday when his presidential guards seized President Mohamed Bazoum and sequestered him in the presidential palace.
July 30, 2023
Ikuru Urges Obi to Extend Congratulations to Tinubu Instead of Waiting for Court Defeat.
In this interview, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, the General Overseer of Foundation of Jehovah High Salvation Ministry, discusses various topics including the unity of Nigeria, peace in the South-East region, and his role in the 2023 general elections. Below are some excerpts from the interview:
Regarding your involvement in the 2023 general elections, can you elaborate?
As the only prophet who consistently prophesied and stood by it for two years, I confidently declared that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would become the president of Nigeria. I conveyed to the nation that Tinubu’s presidency would bring immense opportunities to our nation. I envisioned our children in the Diaspora returning home, signifying a government that would be highly effective in solving long-standing issues that previous administrations struggled with. One significant indicator was Tinubu’s appointment as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), making him the father of all West African countries. This is a clear testament that God knows what He is doing and did not err in choosing Tinubu as President. I extend my congratulations to ECOWAS and my President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.I believe that President Bola Tinubu, given his appointment as the chairman of ECOWAS, has the potential to serve as a unifying force for the entire West Africa region. He has been entrusted with responsibilities, and when we consider our country, we observe that we are a nation that values peace, despite some challenges in certain states. We possess the ability to handle ourselves and find harmony within our borders. President Tinubu will provide guidance to other nations in the region, encouraging them to fulfill their obligations. If Tinubu could transform Lagos State into a global attraction, I am confident that he will contribute even more to the growth of the ECOWAS nations through unity and peace.In my vision, I witnessed a transformation in Nigeria’s position as a major player on the African continent. Previously, Nigeria was veiled and faced numerous challenges. However, that veil was removed, revealing Nigeria as a prominent big brother to other African countries. I questioned why Nigeria had encountered so many issues, and I realized that the nation was reclaiming what it had lost in previous years. Nigeria is the father of Africa, but it had behaved like a child. Fortunately, God has brought forth a leader who has been a champion of democracy to assume the role of ECOWAS chairman. This signifies an upgrade for Nigeria. Previously, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America had placed Nigeria on their blacklists. Now, instead of merely having a president, we have a capable father at the helm. The President is known for his outspokenness and commitment to truth. I regard him as a builder and a master coach. I am confident that he will rectify many of Nigeria’s longstanding issues. My prayer is for God to preserve his health and strengthen him so that he can fulfill his responsibilities as the President of Nigeria and the chairman of ECOWAS.
Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and others, I believe that there is hope for a positive outcome. While the tunnel may seem daunting, I see a glimmer of light ahead. It is through these transformative policies that Nigeria can pave the way for progress and prosperity.
I told the nation then that President Bola Tinubu would win. I think Mr. President should call a unity conference. He had achieved victory already. The people of the South-East should put the elections behind them and see the whole thing as the work of God. Tinubu presidency has come to stay m
What of the Monday sit-at-home directive in the South-East that has caused a lot of economic losses to the region, how would you react to that?
The issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is technical. He has insulted and disrespected this nation. Releasing him is not the issue now. I believe that the sit-at-home directive is a personal thing. It wasn’t imposed by the government. Every Monday, they call a sit-at-home in the South-East. It is just one man calling it. I’m hoping that the President would look at that area and do something about it.
What is your message to IPOB on the issue?
As a prophet, I want to say that the sit-at-home directive is a demonic affliction in Igboland. It is a demonic directive against the progress of Igboland and a fight against the Igboland. What was the cause of the sit-at-home? It’s because they wanted Biafra and that has not come. Biafra cannot come with hate, fight, destruction or killing. It can only come with understanding. If God says there would be Biafra, it would come. I totally condemn sit-at-home and I say no to the order. Every Monday, markets, schools and banks are shut down in all South-Eastern states. Who is behind the order of sit-at-home? I, the Prophetic hero of democracy, say no to it and that the Igboland is declared free of the sit-at-home.
What do you think the leaders can do to end this?
Members of the Ohaneze Ndigbo are afraid of attacks by unknown gunmen. Now, it’ll be from spiritual warfare to physical warfare. Whosoever that stands to say there is sit-at-home, God will remove the person. There shall be peace in Igboland. Sit-at-home is over from today.
Do you think that the South-Easterners are right about their agitations as they believe that it is their turn to produce the President and they feel that they’ve the least number of states in the country amongst other issues bothering on marginalisation?
You cannot force the government to do anything and I know that loyalty is power. You’ve to play political loyalty. They played their role in the 2023 presidential election as they wanted Mr. Peter Obi to win. God displayed his intelligence and grace towards the election. The issue of who would be the Senate President also occurred. They were saying that someone from the South-East should be the Senate President. But Senator Godswill Akpabio was the first person to step out. Do you now want to destroy someone who invested his strength, money, efforts and ability into the whole thing? You cannot destroy that kind of person. I just want to advise the South Easterners to be obedient and work with the right team. They worked with the teams that lost. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a winning team. We’re still part of the Niger Delta. We’re all brothers. Even the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has said that he is for everybody. So, the Easterners should not feel that they’re out. We’re all together. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima said that his Chief Protocol Officer is from Anambra State. He picked an Igbo man to work with him.
What is your advice to Mr. Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as they are both in court challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu?
My advice for them is spiritual advice and it is that they should step out of the court and resolve the issues amicably. Some people wouldn’t understand now, but they would later. Someone like Mr. Peter Obi still has opportunities. He hasn’t insulted Mr. President. He’s only talking about his mandate. At this time, he can still come back and drop the whole thing. He can do like former President Goodluck Jonathan, who went on twitter and congratulated former President Muhammadu Buhari before he became president in 2015. That hour, there was so much tension, but immediately Jonathan twitted, the tension came down. So, it would be better for Mr. Peter Obi to do that rather than wait till he loses in court because I see him losing the case.
July 18, 2023
Nigerian Presidents who have chaired ECOWAS
President Bola Tinubu was elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States Authority of the Heads of State and Government over the weekend.
Tinubu, who attended the forum of West African leaders for the first time at the 63rd Ordinary Session was formally elected as the Chairman In Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.
Tinubu succeeded President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau as the leader of the sub-regional political and economic body.
Tinubu will be responsible for guiding the ECOWAS member states toward economic growth, political stability, and cooperation in his capacity as chairman.
However, Tinubu is not the first Nigerian president to emerge as chairman of the sub-regional African body.
Here is a list of Nigerian presidents who have chaired ECOWAS and the periods they led the body:
1: Olusegun Obasanjo – (1978–1979).
2: Muhammadu Buhari + (1985 – 27 August 1985).
3: Ibrahim Babangida – (27 August 1985 – 1989).
4: Sani Abacha – (27 July 1996 – 8 June 1998).
5: Abdulsalami Abubakar – (9 June 1998 – 1999).
6: Umaru Musa Yar’Adua – (19 December 2008 – 18 February 2010).
7: Goodluck Jonathan – (18 February 2010 – 17 February 2012).
8: Muhammadu Buhari – (31 July 2018 – 29 June 2019).
9: Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria (9 July 2023 till date).
July 12, 2023
Bola Tinubu Becomes Chairman ECOWAS of Head of States
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government.
President Tinubu was elected today at the Sixty-Third Ordinary Session of the Authority held on July 09, 2022, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
President Tinubu takes over from H. E Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of The Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments met to discus the security and political situations in the Region, among other issues.
July 10, 2023
Tinubu Elected As ECOWAS Chairman
President Bola Tinubu has emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We will take democracy seriously, Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” he said upon his emergence on Sunday in Guinea-Bissau.
Tinubu succeeds President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau as ECOWAS chair.
Tinubu’s emergence was announced at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
The 63rd Ordinary Session summit was the first engagement of the President within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Tinubu, who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, pledged to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.
The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.
He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.
Tinubu called for a collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonized to actualise the dreams of ECOWAS.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake.
The President noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.
“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” he further stated.
While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have truncated the popular mandate, Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.
“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people. To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired, which is, to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.
July 9, 2023
ECOWAS Holds 50th Security Ministerial Meeting In Bissau
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The 50th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial meeting holds in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on July 5, 2023.
In a press release made available to newsman today ,the Ministers meeting is to discuss the peace and security situation in the region, the ECOWAS Standby Force, ECOWAS Stabilization Missions, humanitarian situations in the region, and update on the status of the Implementation of the National Early Warning Centres, among others.
The Session is holding ahead of the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government scheduled to hold in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.
July 5, 2023