Title: ECOWAS activates standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger
Introduction :
At a meeting in Abuja, ECOWAS Heads of State decided to activate and deploy the West African Community Standby Force for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. Senegalese President Macky Sall expressed support for the move, stressing the importance of peace and stability in Africa. However, in Dakar, this decision provoked debate and divided public opinion. This article will examine the different perspectives on the military intervention in Niger and the reasons for this division in Dakar.
The support of Macky Sall and the firmness of ECOWAS:
Senegalese President Macky Sall has been a strong supporter of activating the standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger. He stressed the need for lasting peace in Africa, particularly in a context marked by the rise of terrorism and the need to guarantee security and development, including youth employment. According to him, the coup d’etat in Niger is unacceptable and the release of President Mohamed Bazoum as well as the return to constitutional order are essential.
Opponents of military intervention:
Despite the support of some political leaders and civil society, the military intervention of ECOWAS in Niger is the subject of criticism and divides public opinion in Dakar. A column published by more than 170 personalities, including renowned writers and activists, denounces a regression in the course of history and believes that the future of Niger must be determined by the Nigeriens themselves. Some Senegalese citizens, such as former minister Thierno Alassane Sall, believe that ECOWAS has no legal basis to declare war on Niger, which has not attacked anyone and has not interfered in the affairs of a another Member State.
Issues and alternatives:
Opponents of the military intervention highlight the risks of a disaster in the sub-region and stress that Senegal has other priorities to manage, such as the high cost of living, rather than engaging in a war exterior. They call for favoring dialogue and finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. However, proponents of the intervention emphasize the importance of restoring constitutional order and political stability in Niger, in order to preserve democracy and ensure respect for human rights.
Conclusion :
The decision to activate the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger is sparking debate and division in Dakar. While some strongly support this military intervention, others fear the consequences and believe that a peaceful solution should be preferred.. The question of military intervention in Niger raises important issues related to political stability, democracy and respect for human rights in the region