A coalition of peace groups, Africans Against Conflict for Peace, has criticized Senator Ali Ndume for his stance on the economic sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had implemented these sanctions following a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.
Senator Ali Ndume has called for an end to the sanctions, arguing that they are illegal and detrimental to the people of Niger Republic. He claims that the sanctions have also affected neighboring towns whose businesses have been suspended. However, the coalition, led by Dr. Jibrilla Gwadabe, disagrees with Ndume’s position. In a statement, Gwadabe asserts that Ndume is ill-informed and does not understand the concept of coercive diplomacy.
According to Gwadabe, Ndume’s constituency is the most affected by terrorism in the North East of Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. The military in Niger focusing on governance rather than security leaves their flanks exposed, which further endangers the people Ndume represents. Gwadabe highlights that continued military rule in Niger will aggravate the challenges of insecurity and instability in the region caused by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and unconstitutional changes of government.
Gwadabe argues that ECOWAS is not to blame for the situation and that Niger Republic itself is a signatory to the protocol protecting civil constitutional rule. He also emphasizes that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in the region, which particularly affects children and women. The ECOWAS Commission has already approved resources and support to address this situation. Furthermore, the junta’s blockade of humanitarian assistance from United Nations agencies has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Gwadabe advises Ndume to focus on calling for the release of Bazoum and the swift transition to constitutional rule rather than criticizing ECOWAS and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He praises ECOWAS and Tinubu for their efforts and encourages support for their actions.
In summary, the coalition has criticized Senator Ali Ndume’s position on the economic sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by ECOWAS. They argue that Ndume is ill-informed and fail to understand the concept of coercive diplomacy. The coalition praises ECOWAS and President Tinubu for their response to the coup and highlights the dire humanitarian situation in the region. They advise Ndume to prioritize the release of Bazoum and the transition to constitutional rule.
