The United Action Front of Civil Society has strongly criticized the stance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria, on resorting to military intervention to address the ongoing political turmoil in Niger Republic. The civil society group deems such an approach as thoughtless and emphasizes the need for dialogue.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a press release on Monday, signed by Olawale Okunniyi, the Head of the National Coordinating Centre, the group expressed concern over ECOWAS’s decision during the Extraordinary Meeting held in Abuja on August 10, 2023, to have military forces on standby. The statement argues that this move jeopardizes peace prospects within the West African region….CONTINUE READING

While the group acknowledges the urgency of restoring constitutional order in Niger Republic, it stresses that a lasting solution must involve all parties in the crisis agreeing to reasonable terms, fostering long-term stability and peace in the nation.

The statement articulates disappointment in ECOWAS’s approach, as it seemingly combines diplomacy with the threat of military intervention by activating invading forces against the junta in Niger Republic. The group suggests that this decision may cater to external interests outside the realm of ECOWAS’s objectives.

According to the United Action Front of Civil Society, the leadership of ECOWAS appears to disregard the consensus among stakeholders in Nigeria and the sub-region. This consensus cautions against escalating the situation in Niger into a full-fledged proxy war.

The civil society front contends that the probability of conflict and instability within Niger Republic would be detrimental, potentially leading to prolonged armed confrontations that could inadvertently harm neighboring countries. This, in turn, could result in unintended political and socio-economic repercussions for the sub-region.