West African Military Coalition Takes Stand to Restore Democracy in Niger

By Mohammed Bello Doka

Abuja

3 August, 2023

 In an extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, expressed the collective commitment of West African militaries to restore democracy in Niger Republic. The meeting, attended by top military officials from various West African countries, aimed to address the recent coup d'etat in Niger and issue a united response.

The Nigerien military ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Banzoum on July 26, an action that was swiftly condemned by ECOWAS leadership. ECOWAS gave the junta a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate President Banzoum. Speaking at the meeting, General Musa emphasized the need to confront the challenges of restoring democratic governance head-on, drawing on shared experiences, wisdom, and collective resolve. He highlighted that the decisions made will send a strong message about the military's commitment to democracy, intolerance for unconstitutional change of government, and dedication to regional stability.

General Musa underscored the importance of unity, shared values, and commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity within the ECOWAS region. He referenced the 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, stating that ECOWAS has remained steadfast in its commitment to promoting economic cooperation, regional integration, and opposing any form of illegal takeover of power.

Also present at the meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized the need for ECOWAS to demonstrate that it is a rule-based organization. Musah vehemently rejected criticisms claiming that ECOWAS would be infringing on Niger's sovereignty by demanding the restoration of the democratically elected government. He asserted that when member states join an international organization and sign up for peace and security protocols, they accept the ceding of part of their sovereignty.

The meeting received international support, with the United Kingdom (UK) expressing solidarity with ECOWAS. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, commended ECOWAS' decisive action and its commitment to democracy. Cleverly stressed that violence should never be used as a means to bring about political change and affirmed the UK's unwavering support for democracy in Nigeria and the region.

Following ECOWAS' condemnation of the coup, sanctions were imposed on Niger, including suspending financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS. The West African Monetary Union and other regional bodies were called upon to implement the resolutions immediately.

In response to the political instability in Niger, border crossings to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad were reopened, and the junta appointed new governors for the country's eight regions. France and Italy have begun evacuating their citizens, with planes landing in both countries. France, in particular, has offered to evacuate people from other European nations as well.

While some experts argue that preventing coups in West Africa goes beyond sanctions and threats, emphasizing the importance of addressing leadership deficits, corruption, and building credible institutions, ECOWAS remains committed to restoring democracy in Niger and ensuring regional stability.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the militaries of West African countries are standing together to uphold democratic values, condemn unconstitutional changes of government, and promote peace and prosperity in the region.