If a family meets in a room, members give themselves pecks, exchange polite greetings, make flowery speeches and emerge laughing for group photographs, likely, they have not been truthful to themselves. That was my impression following the 37th Summit of the African Union, AU, from February 17–18, 2024, in Addis Ababa. After attending a few Read More…
Tag: ECOWAS
Military or civilian, a coup is a coup!
Coup-making is not the exclusive preserve of soldiers or the armed forces. Civilians, too, do stage coups. In Nigeria, we have had our fair share of coups and counter-coups and have resolved that our collective aspirations as a people are best served by a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Read More…
ECOWAS rejects Niger Junta’s proposal for three-year election delay
West Africa’s principal regional body, ECOWAS, has turned down a proposition by Niger’s military junta to postpone elections for three years. This refusal prolongs a political deadlock that may prompt military intervention if no resolution emerges following a July coup. Seeking diplomatic solutions to Niger’s July 26 coup, the seventh in West and Central Africa Read More…
ECOWAS sets potential “D-Day” for Niger military intervention amid democracy concerns
In a decisive move, West Africa’s principal regional coalition announced on Friday that it has established a concealed “D-Day” for a prospective military intervention in Niger, should diplomatic endeavours falter. The regional organisation affirmed that it will not engage in unending discussions with the intransigent junta, underscoring its commitment to restoring democratic order. This declaration Read More…
West Africa’s ECOWAS threatens to invade Niger junta
West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has threatened to invade Niger if the junta that took power in July does not step down. The bloc, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, said it would deploy its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger. The junta, which seized power on July 26, has defied an Read More…
ECOWAS Holds onto Hopes of Mediating Niger Coup Ahead of Summit
In the midst of escalating tension, West African nations and global powers are fervently grasping at the prospect of mediation with the leadership of Niger’s coup before a pivotal summit on Thursday, which could potentially pave the way for military intervention to reinstate democratic order. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has orchestrated Read More…
Why Nigeria Cannot Afford to Invade Niger Republic: Assessing the Crisis in Niger and Its Implications for Regional Stability
The recent coup in Niger Republic has sent shockwaves through the West African region, raising concerns about stability and the potential for armed conflicts. The implications of this coup go beyond Niger’s borders, as the country’s strategic importance, uranium, and oil resources make it a key player in the eyes of global powers such as Read More…
2023: INEC invites international organisations for election monitoring
International organisations from all over the world are invited to monitor the general elections in Nigeria in 2023 at the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call when he welcomed the delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Pre-Election Fact Finding Mission to Read More…
Malians demonstrate against ECOWAS sanctions
Thousands of people demonstrated in the Malian capital Bamako on Friday against sanctions imposed by neighbouring countries on the transitional military government for trying to extend its hold on power. People poured into Independence Square, holding up signs saying “Down with ECOWAS” and “Down with France”, to protest restrictions imposed by the Economic Community of Read More…
Trade expert tasks ECOWAS on border laws, policies
Dr Ken Ukaoha, a trade and economic development advocate, has urged ECOWAS to ensure that trade and border related laws and policies within West Africa are implemented dutifully.. He made the call on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to the reopening of four land borders by the Federal Government on Wednesday. Nigeria shut its land Read More…