Togo/ Niger Crisis: The Conference of Bishops calls for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Niger

After three days of prayer last week in solidarity with the “sister nation of Niger,” the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET) expressed its opinion earlier this week on the measures taken by ECOWAS to compel the coup leaders to restore constitutional order.

The clergy of Togo is appealing to the Heads of State and decision-makers in the sub-region to reconsider the imposed sanctions, in order to facilitate a meeting between the parties for a roundtable discussion.

«It is no secret that the economic situation in our countries is very fragile. Our populations have not yet emerged from the health crisis. While we are still living in this crisis, the war in Ukraine, taking place thousands of kilometers away, also has consequences on the already precarious lives of the inhabitants of our countries, in every aspect. Now, here at home, we are proposing crisis solutions that will bring violence and war», stated Mgr Benoît Messan Alowonou, President of the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET).

«The Conference of Bishops of Togo, in its statement on the situation in Niger, suggests the lifting of the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. The victims of these sanctions are not just the intended targets but the entire population of our region», emphasized the Catholic bishop.

Here is the full statement of the Conference of Bishops of Togo (CET) on the Niger crisis:

🟠To all of you, brothers and sisters in the Lord, Men and women of goodwill, Political actors and decision-makers, Considering our call for a Triduum of prayers and adoration in all parishes of our country, Togo, on August 8, 9, and 10, 2023, in favor the sister country Niger, in response to the invitation for solidarity and prayer from the President of the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO),

🟠Considering the exhortation to restraint, discernment, and common sense in handling the socio-political situation in Niger, made by the Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops of RECOWA/CERAO to the political authorities on August 4, 2023, Considering the real interdependence between the populations of West African countries on social, economic, and security levels, Given the already precarious living conditions of the Nigerien population and that of our countries, exposed and threatened by terrorism and violent extremism,

🟠Given that violence and wars always lead to the weakening and impoverishment of populations, We, the Archbishop and Bishops of Togo, reaffirm, in the name of the Church, the Family of God in Togo, our solidarity with the people of Niger and appeal to the conscience and sense of responsibility of political decision-makers, urging them to prioritize diplomatic negotiation, dialogue, and mediation in finding a solution to the crisis in Niger, by listening to the cries of distress from the Nigerien people.

🟠In order to bring the crisis parties to a negotiation table, we suggest lifting the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose first victims are the civilian population, especially women and children.

🟠We commend the courageous, wise, and prudent stance of leaders of many countries, including Togo, political leaders, and civil society in our sub-region, who prioritize the path of dialogue through discernment and responsibility in the face of history.

🟠We thank all those who prayed in our country during the aforementioned three days and who continue to keep the situation in Niger in their daily prayers. While reiterating our closeness to the Bishops and the sister people of Niger, as well as our commitment to the value of social peace, we continue to implore the Lord’s grace for a swift return to calm and mutual understanding for the benefit of all.

As a reminder, following the military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, ECOWAS imposed a range of heavy economic, energy, and health sanctions against Niger, which some deem “inhumane.” This was to compel the coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum in his functions. Faced with the junta’s inflexibility, the West African organization threatens military intervention.

Noel AMEVOR