Title: Military intervention in Niger: the concerns of the opposition
Introduction :
In the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the possibility of a military intervention in Niger raises questions and concerns among opposition parties. In Benin, the Les Démocrates party, a figurehead of the opposition, raised a series of questions during a parliamentary session. While the National Assembly is in recess until September, these questions have been made public, highlighting the opposition’s concerns over a possible military intervention.
Debate :
The Les Démocrates party has expressed concern over the idea of engaging Benin in a war against the sovereign people of Niger, considering it a violation of Benin’s constitution. The questions are multiplying: will the government consult parliament before committing troops? How many Beninese soldiers will be involved and what will be the conditions of their engagement? What bonuses will be awarded to soldiers and what support will be provided for their families in the event of death? What measures will be taken to protect Benin nationals living in Niger? The opposition also wonders about the priority given to the restoration of power in Niger in relation to the protection of the populations.
Some of the issues raised by Les Démocrates also relate to the economic sanctions imposed on Niger following the coup. A final point of concern concerns the position of ECOWAS, which condemns military coups but seems to tolerate institutional coups.
The government’s response and the opposition’s reactions:
Benin government spokesman Wilfrid Houngbédji responded by saying there was no pending declaration of war and called on the Les Démocrates party to refer to the constitution. Some activists have quipped that the opposition is simply trying to make itself heard and that its questions will be answered once the military intervention takes place.
Conclusion :
The possibility of a military intervention in Niger by ECOWAS raises concerns and questions from opposition parties in Benin. The questions posed by the Les Démocrates party highlight concerns about Benin’s involvement in a brotherly conflict, the impact on soldiers and their families, and the priority given to restoring power over the protection of populations. As the debate continues, it is important to heed the concerns of the opposition and find transparent and accountable responses to ensure stability and security in the region