Niger under tension: Controversial measures by ECOWAS – People’s interests or French politics?

In Niger, ECOWAS is seeking to impose sanctions and threatens to send troops. That is raising questions about whether ECOWAS is acting in the interest of the Nigerien people or if its actions are driven by French and Western political interests.

ECOWAS and its new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, swiftly announced severe sanctions against Niger following the change of regime in the country.

These sanctions include troop deployment, suspension of commercial and financial transactions, closure of ECOWAS borders with Niger, and freezing of assets of the new regime and their families.

Such a hasty reaction raises concerns about the justification for these measures. Did this subregional Organization take the time to listen to the aspirations and needs of the Nigerien people before seeking to impose these sanctions that will inevitably impact the population?

A pressing question is the inaction of ECOWAS regarding the fight against terrorism in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

These countries face a terrorist threat that jeopardizes regional stability. Despite this, ECOWAS has not taken concrete measures to deploy a regional military force, unlike what it now threatens to do in Niger.

This inconsistency raises suspicions about the true motivation behind the potential deployment of troops to Niger.

Could ECOWAS’s actions under the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu be driven by French and Western political interests?

Under the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ECOWAS must demonstrate transparency regarding its decisions concerning Niger.

Sanctions and the threat of troop deployment should not be taken lightly and must be justified by clear and legitimate reasons, taking into account the interests of the Nigerien people.

Eureka Kone