By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government yesterday ordered immediate deployment of its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
The regional body also called on partner countries including the United Nations, UN, to support its efforts to ensure a quick restoration of order in conformity with its normative instruments.
These were among the resolutions reached at the Extraordinary Summit on socio-political solutions in the Republic of Niger chaired by ECOWAS Chairman and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
While noting that the regional body will continue to keep all the options on the table, they however said that there will be consequences for any individual, body, or member country that will be found to hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic.
The resolution which was read by the President of the Commission, Omar Alieu Toure said, “Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order in conformity with its normative instruments.
“Direct the committee and its Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.
“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”
The communique issued at the end of the meeting read, “The Authority having considered the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last extraordinary summit; and having considered the reports of the envoys of the chair, to Niger and various other places; carefully considered the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff; extensively discussed the latest development in Niger since the last extraordinary Summit held on 30th July 2023.
“Noted that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger. Taking note of the expiration of the one-week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:
“Reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’état and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and members of his government
“Further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CNSP fully and solely responsible for the safety, security, and physical integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family, and government.
“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary Summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023. Underscore the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“Enforce all measures in particular border closures and strict travel bans and assets freeze on all persons or groups of individuals whose actions hinder all peaceful efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.”
The communique further, “Warn member states who by their action directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the community. Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.
“Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments. Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.
“Direct the Committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately. Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
Be disciplined, professional, CAS cautions Branch Chiefs, AOCs Commanders
*Tinubu: No option off the table, including force
Speaking earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu said that the seven-day ultimatum issued to the military junta in the Republic of Niger to reinstate the sacked President, Mohammad Bazoum has not yielded the desired results.
The President said that all the relevant parties, including the coup leaders, will be involved in the dialogue in a bid to have an amicable resolution to the Niger crisis.
He said, “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, we must prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognise that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.
The ECOWAS Chairman recalled that the military junta was told in the previous meeting to reinstate the democratically elected President but the directive was yet to be complied with.
“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would catalyse the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.
“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.
“You will see from the communiqué of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the tables including the use of force as the last resort. If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger towards peaceful and democratic stability in the country,” Tinubu said.
In his closing remarks at the Summit, Tinubu commended members for exhibiting great membership, dedication, and patriotism in recognition of the danger facing Nigeria’s neighbour, Niger.
He said, “I hope that through our collective efforts, we can bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.
“All is not lost yet. The outcome of this summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and the progress of the entire ECOWAS community.
“We will continue with that and I’ll see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey toward peaceful democratic stability in the country.
“The road ahead will undoubtedly have challenges but as a family, we believe that with our collective result, we can navigate these obstacles and chart a path towards lasting peace and prosperity for Nigerians and ECOWAS.
“I send my sincere gratitude to all of you, for your dedication and valuable contributions during this extraordinary Summit. Your unwavering commitment to ECOWAS and the welfare of our continent is highly commendable.
“I want to thank you for your positive remarks and recognition given to me and the government of the people of Nigeria. May our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter future for the Nigerian people and all Africans.
“ECOWAS has continued to thrive as a beckon of unity, cooperation, and progress in the region. With this, I officially bring the second extraordinary summit on his socio-political situation and the Republic of Nigeria to a close.”
Eleven out of the sixteen ECOWAS Heads of State and Government attended the Summit.
Recall that at about fortnight ago, the ECOWAS Heads of State ordered the military junta in Niger that overthrew the democratically elected President Muhamad Bazoum to reverse their action and reinstate the President.
ECOWAS gave the military junta a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the seat of power and hand over to the sacked President, Bazoum and the ultimatum had since expired.
It threatened several sanctions including military actions against the military junta if they failed to vacate office and reinstate the embattled President.
Among the President at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the venue of the extraordinary meeting were the ECOWAS Chairman and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President. Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau and President Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi
Others are President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo.
The Gambia and Liberia are member-states being represented by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Those absent are the heads of state in the troubled Niger Republic, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso
The ECOWAS Authority had during the last Extraordinary Summit, held on July 30, in Abuja, imposed several sanctions on Niger, particularly the coupists, and demanded the immediate release of President Bazoum, his family, and members of his government, who are all being detained by the military.
Reading out the sanctions at the end of that Summit, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “The following measures are to be applied with immediate effect. One is the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger. Two, the institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member-states and Niger. Freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions. Freeze assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks Freeze of the assets of the Niger state and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID. Call WAMU and all other regional bodies to implement this decision.
“Impose travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials”, the Authority said.
Meanwhile, to avert the escalation of the crisis and stave off the possibility of an armed intervention, several stakeholders in Nigeria and Niger have been making moves to prevail on both the ECOWAS and the military junta in Niger to approach the situation diplomatically and continue with negotiations.
Coups in W’ Africa caused by reckless exploitation of natural resources, says Falana
Prominent legal expert and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has shed light on the disturbing trend of coups within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a communique yesterday cited the “Reckless exploitation of natural resources” as one of the principal driving forces behind the unsettling political unrest and the rise of unconstitutional changes in government.
Drawing on the historical and current socio-political landscape, Falana emphasized that the external influence and interference, particularly from former colonial regimes, coupled with the unchecked extraction of the region’s vast natural resources, has perpetuated economic inequalities. Such disparities have, in turn, led to mounting frustrations and grievances among the populace, creating a conducive environment for coups and power struggles.
His observations come at a time when ECOWAS has been under increased scrutiny, with a growing number of its member states experiencing political upheavals. He said the correlation between resource mismanagement and political instability underscores the urgent need for reformed governance and transparent economic practices in the region.
Falana said, “We have confirmed that another principal cause of change of governments in West Africa is the reckless exploitation of the natural resources of the member states of the ECOWAS by former colonial regimes and their allies.
“Such exploitation is compounded by the control of the national economy by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The implementation of the anti-people policies of the foreign forces has continued to increase the poverty of the entire people of the region.
“Out of frustration with civilian governments, unemployed youths and victims of human rights abuse usually troop to the streets to celebrate coup plotters. The ECOWAS leaders should end the crude exploitation of natural resources and empower the people to control the commonwealth of member states under Article 21 (1) of the Charter which provides:
“All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it.”
The rights activists also noted that the immediate and remote cause of unconstitutional change of governments is the manipulation of constitutions and referenda by elected governments to extend the tenure of Presidents.
He explained that in 2015, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed to restrict West African presidents to two terms in office to stop unconstitutional changes of governments in West Africa.
This proposal was shelved as it was opposed by Togo and The Gambia, both with presidents who had been in power for more than two terms in office.
But following the coup in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, ECOWAS leaders under the immediate past Chairman, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana proposed to amend the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to limit the tenure of Presidents to a maximum period of two terms in office.
The amendment was not passed due to the objection of President Allason Quatara of Côte d’Ivoire, Mall of Senegal, and Faure Eyadama of Togo. Presidents Quattara and Eyadama are currently spending more than two terms in office while President Mall is scheming for a third term.
Falana urged the new Chairman of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, to ensure that the amendment is passed forthwith while sanctions are imposed on democratically elected presidents who engage in amendment of the national constitutions to extend their tenure beyond two terms.
Niger: ECOWAS orders defence chiefs to activate standby force
By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government yesterday ordered immediate deployment of its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
The regional body also called on partner countries including the United Nations, UN, to support its efforts to ensure a quick restoration of order in conformity with its normative instruments.
These were among the resolutions reached at the Extraordinary Summit on socio-political solutions in the Republic of Niger chaired by ECOWAS Chairman and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
While noting that the regional body will continue to keep all the options on the table, they however said that there will be consequences for any individual, body, or member country that will be found to hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic.
The resolution which was read by the President of the Commission, Omar Alieu Toure said, “Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order in conformity with its normative instruments.
“Direct the committee and its Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.
“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”
The communique issued at the end of the meeting read, “The Authority having considered the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last extraordinary summit; and having considered the reports of the envoys of the chair, to Niger and various other places; carefully considered the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff; extensively discussed the latest development in Niger since the last extraordinary Summit held on 30th July 2023.
“Noted that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger. Taking note of the expiration of the one-week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:
“Reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’état and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and members of his government
“Further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CNSP fully and solely responsible for the safety, security, and physical integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family, and government.
“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary Summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023. Underscore the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“Enforce all measures in particular border closures and strict travel bans and assets freeze on all persons or groups of individuals whose actions hinder all peaceful efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.”
The communique further, “Warn member states who by their action directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the community. Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.
“Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments. Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.
“Direct the Committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately. Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
*Tinubu: No option off the table, including force
Speaking earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu said that the seven-day ultimatum issued to the military junta in the Republic of Niger to reinstate the sacked President, Mohammad Bazoum has not yielded the desired results.
The President said that all the relevant parties, including the coup leaders, will be involved in the dialogue in a bid to have an amicable resolution to the Niger crisis.
He said, “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, we must prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognise that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.
The ECOWAS Chairman recalled that the military junta was told in the previous meeting to reinstate the democratically elected President but the directive was yet to be complied with.
“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would catalyse the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.
“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.
“You will see from the communiqué of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the tables including the use of force as the last resort. If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger towards peaceful and democratic stability in the country,” Tinubu said.
In his closing remarks at the Summit, Tinubu commended members for exhibiting great membership, dedication, and patriotism in recognition of the danger facing Nigeria’s neighbour, Niger.
He said, “I hope that through our collective efforts, we can bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.
“All is not lost yet. The outcome of this summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and the progress of the entire ECOWAS community.
“We will continue with that and I’ll see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey toward peaceful democratic stability in the country.
“The road ahead will undoubtedly have challenges but as a family, we believe that with our collective result, we can navigate these obstacles and chart a path towards lasting peace and prosperity for Nigerians and ECOWAS.
“I send my sincere gratitude to all of you, for your dedication and valuable contributions during this extraordinary Summit. Your unwavering commitment to ECOWAS and the welfare of our continent is highly commendable.
“I want to thank you for your positive remarks and recognition given to me and the government of the people of Nigeria. May our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter future for the Nigerian people and all Africans.
“ECOWAS has continued to thrive as a beckon of unity, cooperation, and progress in the region. With this, I officially bring the second extraordinary summit on his socio-political situation and the Republic of Nigeria to a close.”
Eleven out of the sixteen ECOWAS Heads of State and Government attended the Summit.
Recall that at about fortnight ago, the ECOWAS Heads of State ordered the military junta in Niger that overthrew the democratically elected President Muhamad Bazoum to reverse their action and reinstate the President.
ECOWAS gave the military junta a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the seat of power and hand over to the sacked President, Bazoum and the ultimatum had since expired.
It threatened several sanctions including military actions against the military junta if they failed to vacate office and reinstate the embattled President.
Among the President at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the venue of the extraordinary meeting were the ECOWAS Chairman and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President. Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau and President Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi
Others are President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo.
The Gambia and Liberia are member-states being represented by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Those absent are the heads of state in the troubled Niger Republic, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso
The ECOWAS Authority had during the last Extraordinary Summit, held on July 30, in Abuja, imposed several sanctions on Niger, particularly the coupists, and demanded the immediate release of President Bazoum, his family, and members of his government, who are all being detained by the military.
Reading out the sanctions at the end of that Summit, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “The following measures are to be applied with immediate effect. One is the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger. Two, the institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member-states and Niger. Freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions. Freeze assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks Freeze of the assets of the Niger state and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID. Call WAMU and all other regional bodies to implement this decision.
“Impose travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials”, the Authority said.
Meanwhile, to avert the escalation of the crisis and stave off the possibility of an armed intervention, several stakeholders in Nigeria and Niger have been making moves to prevail on both the ECOWAS and the military junta in Niger to approach the situation diplomatically and continue with negotiations.
Coups in W’ Africa caused by reckless exploitation of natural resources, says Falana
Prominent legal expert and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has shed light on the disturbing trend of coups within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a communique yesterday cited the “Reckless exploitation of natural resources” as one of the principal driving forces behind the unsettling political unrest and the rise of unconstitutional changes in government.
Drawing on the historical and current socio-political landscape, Falana emphasized that the external influence and interference, particularly from former colonial regimes, coupled with the unchecked extraction of the region’s vast natural resources, has perpetuated economic inequalities. Such disparities have, in turn, led to mounting frustrations and grievances among the populace, creating a conducive environment for coups and power struggles.
His observations come at a time when ECOWAS has been under increased scrutiny, with a growing number of its member states experiencing political upheavals. He said the correlation between resource mismanagement and political instability underscores the urgent need for reformed governance and transparent economic practices in the region.
Falana said, “We have confirmed that another principal cause of change of governments in West Africa is the reckless exploitation of the natural resources of the member states of the ECOWAS by former colonial regimes and their allies.
“Such exploitation is compounded by the control of the national economy by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The implementation of the anti-people policies of the foreign forces has continued to increase the poverty of the entire people of the region.
“Out of frustration with civilian governments, unemployed youths and victims of human rights abuse usually troop to the streets to celebrate coup plotters. The ECOWAS leaders should end the crude exploitation of natural resources and empower the people to control the commonwealth of member states under Article 21 (1) of the Charter which provides:
“All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it.”
The rights activists also noted that the immediate and remote cause of unconstitutional change of governments is the manipulation of constitutions and referenda by elected governments to extend the tenure of Presidents.
He explained that in 2015, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed to restrict West African presidents to two terms in office to stop unconstitutional changes of governments in West Africa.
This proposal was shelved as it was opposed by Togo and The Gambia, both with presidents who had been in power for more than two terms in office.
But following the coup in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, ECOWAS leaders under the immediate past Chairman, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana proposed to amend the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to limit the tenure of Presidents to a maximum period of two terms in office.
The amendment was not passed due to the objection of President Allason Quatara of Côte d’Ivoire, Mall of Senegal, and Faure Eyadama of Togo. Presidents Quattara and Eyadama are currently spending more than two terms in office while President Mall is scheming for a third term.
Falana urged the new Chairman of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, to ensure that the amendment is passed forthwith while sanctions are imposed on democratically elected presidents who engage in amendment of the national constitutions to extend their tenure beyond two terms.
