Niger Coup: Russia joins Mali, Burkina Faso warns “ECOWAS” against use of force

By Samuel Ogunsona

One of the world’s most powerful countries, Russia has joined the call on ECOWAS not to use force against Niger in the regional body’s search for resolution of the crisis in the West African country.

In a short response sent to The Punch Newspapers, the Russian ambassador said, “Russia opposes a military solution to the conflict. Russia has no plans to use its armed forces in Niger. The people of Niger should solve their problems independently in a constitutional manner without any resort to force or threat to use it.”

Irohinoodua gathered that many in Africa see Russia as a more reliable partner following decades of savage exploitation of African raw materials and the West support for cruel and malicious leaders across Africa.

Russia for decades has played significant roles in the Liberation struggle in Africa while the West instigates a regime of horror in the continent.

Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier joined force with Niger, sending a crucial warning to the Economy Communities of West Africa States (ECOWAS) against military intervention.

Both Burkina Faso and Mali have backed Niger military leaders, saying any military intervention against the country will lead to war.

The warning was sent after the Ecowas leadership converged in Abuja, Nigeria capital on Sunday to discuss over the Niger crisis.

In a statement, “any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.”

They warned that any military intervention against the country will lead to war that will destabilize the whole region of ECOWAS.

However, ECOWAS has demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of Niger elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained by military.

In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force,” the bloc said in a joint statement after its emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria.

“For this effect, the chiefs of defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”

ECOWAS announced to place embargo on Niger which also include the “suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger”

“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,”

Moreover, the human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has warned ECOWAS against military attack in Niger but urged for sanctionson the military junta.

He said this in a statement titled “Unconstitutional Change of Governments: the Role of Bar Associations” which was delivered on Tuesday at a two-day conference of the West African Bar Association in Accra, Ghana.

He said, “Apart from suspending Niger from ECOWAS, the leaders of the sub-regional body should refrain from attending international conferences with coup plotters as was recently witnessed during the recently concluded Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia.”

In a prompt response to the embarrassing development, the Economic Commission of West African States gave the junta a seven-day ultimatum to step down from power and restore constitutional rule. ECOWAS leaders threatened to ‘take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order’ and that if its demands were not met, ‘such measures may include the use of force.’