West African CSOs warn against bloodshed, seeks peaceful resolution of copu
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) from across West Africa has cautioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against forcing the region into a war in Niger Republic that will spill blood on all sides.
ECOWAS has asked the military coupists in Niger to reduce from three years their timeline for transition to democratic civilian rule.
But “the coalition rejects the attempts by decision-makers to railroad the subregion towards an armed conflict, which in all intents and purpose would further multiply the misery and suffering of ordinary citizens,” said Zikirullahi Ibrahim, convener of the coalition.
“Therefore, the threat of war and actual mobilisation of military options in the context of the political crisis, is not in the interest of the people of Niger, Nigeria, and the rest of ECOWAS.”
Ibrahim urged ECOWAS to strive for democracy both in spirit and character, to restore peace and order in the region.
He spoke for a coalition comprising the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Human and Environment Development Agenda (HEDA),
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Centre Africain d’Appui au Leadership aux Droits Humains et à l’innovation Sociale (CALDHIS, and Network of Nigerien Organisations for the Defense of Democracy and Human Rights (RONIDDEDH).
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Civilian leaders’ undemocratic practices breeding military coups
Ibrahim criticised ECOWAS for its previous silence on civilian coups through anti-democratic practices in the region, per reporting by Vanguard.
“It’s instructive to note that ECOWAS found it convenient to be silent when some of the leaders within its fold decided to adopt anti-democratic methods to perpetuate themselves in office.”
He also pressed the military junta in Niger to present a well-defined and practical transition to democracy and constitutional order.
“The state actors must govern in a just, fair, constitutional, and inclusive manner. If they do not administer their countries in accordance with democratic principles, the best option is to use the electoral process, which provides the mechanism for periodic changes of government.”
Ibrahim cited disregard for democratic principles, extreme poverty, high unemployment, and lack of inclusion as the driving forces behind banditry, insurgency, terrorism, and the recent surge in coups in West Africa.
“While we do hope that all sides in this unfortunate crisis have learned the bitter lessons from the developments in Niger, it is our hope that a return to democracy through free, fair, and credible elections will help restore confidence and address the peoples and international community’s concerns.”