Title: Nigerien putschists receive support from Guinean junta
Introduction: In an official communiqué, the National Rally Committee for Development (CNRD), which leads the Guinean junta, expressed its support for the Nigerien putschists who took power on July 26th. This position aroused contrasting reactions in the Guinean political world. While junta supporters applaud this support, some opposition members are concerned about Guinea’s involvement in such a situation. Let’s take a closer look at the different reactions to this statement.
Support of the Guinean junta for the Nigerien putschists
The CNRD, the governing body of the Guinean junta, said in its statement that the CNSP’s takeover in Niger had aroused the interest and support of the Guinean authorities for “the brave people of Niger”. This declaration bears witness to the solidarity displayed between the two military regimes and underlines a rapprochement between Guinea and Niger under their new leadership.
Contrasting reactions in the Guinean political world
Supporters of the junta welcome this position as an affirmation of Guinean sovereignty. They see in this a proof of the neutrality of the Guinean foreign policy based on pan-Africanism. Some even go so far as to warn ECOWAS that any intervention in Niger would be considered an act of war or a provocation.
However, on the opposition side, the reactions are more mixed. Some members of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and the National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (Anad), two important political coalitions in the country, question the legitimacy of the junta to engage Guinea in such support. They recall that the junta had committed itself to a return to constitutional order within 24 months, and consider this declaration as an attempt to confiscate power and not respect this commitment.
Suspicions of a hidden agenda and a threat to democracy
Some members of the opposition go further by suspecting the formation of a union between the military regimes of the French-speaking countries of West Africa, represented here by the Guinean junta and the Nigerien putschists, within ECOWAS. They see this as a threat to democracy and the rule of law in the sub-region.
Conclusion: The position taken by the Guinean junta in support of the Nigerien putschists provoked contrasting reactions in Guinea. While supporters hail the declaration as an affirmation of Guinean sovereignty and the defense of African interests, some opposition members question the legitimacy of the junta to engage Guinea in such support and warn against potential threats to regional democracy