Sir “…no autocratic rule and no military regime can produce what a free man can do” – Tsakhragiin Elbegdorj.
The above quote may be strange to the ears of many, but those who have had an opportunity to witness military regimes, most especially in Nigeria, will surely appreciate and understand what the quote entails.
The current occurrence in the Republic of Niger where a group of soldiers, headed by Abdourahamane Tchiani, usurped the seat of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, has, since the day of the unlawful usurpation, been generating controversies among nations of Africa and beyond.
And in its bid to restore constitutional order in the country, Niger, ECOWAS, through its chairman, President Bola Tinubu had, few days after the illegitimate military occupation and after the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS, sent a delegation led by former military Head of State, AbdulSalam Abubakar to Niger for an end of the crisis. But it was unfortunate the proposed dialogue failed.
In light of this, ECOWAS, few days ago, met and resolved to return the toppled president, Bazoum, to power by deploying troops in Niger following the refusal of the military leaders in Niger to restore democracy despite the sanctions imposed on them. And since the stance has been made, many, most especially Nigerians, have been speaking against the military deployment. They believe that the move is the creation of President Bola Tinubu.
Nigerians have been urging and persuading President Tinubu to desist from going to war against Niger, forgetting that Mr President isn’t the only decision maker in ECOWAS summits and that ECOWAS, not Nigeria is against the coup in Niger.
Undoubtedly many aren’t aware that what the ECOWAS is trying to discourage is the return of unconstitutional administrations in African countries. They aren’t aware that a threat to nonviolence anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere. The question is: Shall we allow illegitimate governments to again rule over us in African countries? Instead of speaking against the lasting solution (military action) to restore constitutional government in the neighbouring country, what I think the ECOWAS need is our support.
We must condemn the coup affirmatively and without question. We should understand that if the coup succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for African countries and the whole world.
We should, like Bazoum said, resist any attempt to overthrow a legitimate government by all means. The dangers the coup poses will undoubtedly have shocking outcomes far beyond Niger’s borders. Boko Haram and other terrorist movements may take advantage of Niger’s instability to launch ceaseless attacks and undermine peace, security and freedom around the world, most especially around the adjoining and bordering countries.
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The fact remains, African countries already lag behind; they need fast development. The continent cannot afford to be ruled by the military. Soldiers’ primary responsibility is to defend their countries against any external attack. The business of governance must be left to those that the constitution spells out to govern.