University professors in Niger denounce their union’s support for the ruling junta. In a letter addressed to the executive office of the national union of teacher-researchers and higher education researchers (SNECS), 37 academics question the position of their union which supports the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), responsible for the coup of State that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
These professors are demanding that the union condemn the coup and demand the release of the elected president. They point out that the union did not consult its base before taking this position favoring the junta, and recall that in the past, the union has always condemned seizures of power by force.
Mahaman Bazanfaré, a professor at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, says any seizure of power by force must be condemned, as it undermines democracy both nationally and in universities. He recalls that the union fought in 2018 to restore democracy in university institutions and therefore cannot support a challenge to democracy at the national level.
This letter from Nigerian academics highlights a division within the academic world, where some disagree with the political positions taken by their union. This situation raises questions about the independence and representativeness of trade unions and the role of academics in the political life of the country.
It is important to note that this situation in Niger is one example among others of tensions between teachers and their unions in many countries. Academics play a key role in society by shaping future generations, and their political positions can have a significant impact on the direction and values of higher education.
It remains to be seen how this letter from university professors will influence the positioning of the union and the ongoing political debates in Niger. One thing is certain, it highlights the differences of opinion within the academic world and underlines the importance of freedom of expression and debate in a democratic society