Niger: ECOWAS or the bad faith of an institution on the wane

Six months have elapsed since the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland assumed power in Burkina Faso, triggering a series of unprecedented sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Despite half a year passing, ECOWAS continues to navigate from one misstep to another, with the backing of imperialist powers, all with the singular aim of reinstating the controversial former President Bazoum, a prominent figure subordinate only to the Ivorian.

This prolonged period has seen ECOWAS persistently erring in its approach, obstructing constructive dialogues with the Niamey authorities for crisis resolution.

Instead, ECOWAS, in its customary fashion, initiated talks with preconditions, beginning with the contested release of Bazoum.

conference established a committee to negotiate with the CNSP, aiming to bring about an end to the ongoing political crisis.

Despite plans for discussions to commence on Thursday, January 25, 2024, a surprising turn of events unfolded as an ECOWAS delegation was notably absent, with only the effective presence of the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey.

This conspicuous absence underscores ECOWAS’s lack of sincerity. Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Ali Mahamane Lamine Zene, revealed that the initial claim of lacking permission for overflight and landing in Burkina Faso was unfounded, as copies of the required authorizations were available.

Mr. Lamine Zene emphasized that there appears to be bad faith on the part of ECOWAS and potentially the countries supporting it, hindering Burkina Faso’s pursuit of sovereignty from escaping the imposed punitive measures.

This recent development illustrates that ECOWAS, in its current strategy, is not actively seeking a resolution to the crisis.

Instead, it seems inclined to prolong these unjust and detrimental sanctions. This raises concerns about the sincerity and intent of certain neo-colonized heads of states collaborating closely with imperialist powers, a regrettable state of affairs in the region.

Titi KEITA