Title: The controversial support of the Guinean junta for the coup d’état in Niger: a position criticized and analyzed
Introduction :
The takeover of power by a military junta in Niger on July 26 sparked divergent reactions within the international community. While the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) introduced sanctions against the Nigerien putschists, the Guinean junta, leader of the country since September 2021, expressed its support for its counterpart in Niger. This position of the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD), the governing body of the Guinean junta, sparked a lively debate in political circles in Conakry. This article examines the different reactions to this controversial position and highlights the underlying tensions in regional dynamics in West Africa.
Supporters of the junta approve, opponents criticize:
While supporters of the junta strongly support the CNRD’s position, saying it demonstrates Guinea’s sovereignty and its commitment to pan-Africanism, opponents denounce a lack of legitimacy and a potential confiscation of power. Some members of Guinean political coalitions, such as the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and the National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (Anad), believe that the junta should not involve Guinea in this matter and that it must respect the deadlines set for the return to constitutional order. Questions are also being raised about the hidden agenda of Guinean junta leaders and their counterparts in the region.
Regional issues:
Beyond the dispute over support for the Guinean junta, this affair highlights the tensions and rivalries between certain countries in the region. Some analysts believe that French-speaking West African countries, including Niger and Guinea, are trying to create a union within ECOWAS, which could set a dangerous precedent for democracy and the rule of law in the region. Discussions about ECOWAS sanctions and the reaction of the Guinean junta raise broader questions about the dynamics of power and influence within West Africa.
Conclusion :
The CNRD’s position in support of the Nigerien junta has provoked an intense debate in Guinea and in the region. While some applaud this displayed solidarity, others criticize it and question the legitimacy of the Guinean junta. This event highlights the regional issues and underlying rivalries playing out in the West African region. It is essential to continue to monitor developments in this matter and its impact on political stability and democratic governance in the region.