Press Release

7^th December, 2023

His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of the Heads of States and Government

Presidential Villa

Aso Rock,

Abuja- Nigeria

Your Excellency,

APPEAL FOR THE EASING OF SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations on your election and affirmation as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your victory is a testament to your exceptional leadership and the trust placed in you by the Nigerian people. Furthermore, WACSOF would like to express its warmest wishes on your appointment as the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. This recognition reflects your remarkable influence and dedication in promoting regional cooperation and development in West Africa.

Your Excellency, we write to you today with heightened concern over the grave effects of the range of international sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger by ECOWAS following the coup d’état of 26^th July 2023. We note that these sanctions have brought untold hardships to the teeming citizens of Niger republic. As the institutionalized umbrella of civil society organizations across the region, endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), we consider ourselves a platform for civil society organizations only, but as forum for the articulation of the voice and aspirations of the entire citizens of West Africa. It is part of our statutory mandate to contribute a quota, through constructive advocacy, towards entrenching peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa.

The decision to address this matter stems from the request of our members in Niger and across the entire region to intervene in the matter. (We note that a similar communication has been transmitted to the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, physically.) Following the request of our members in Niger, we convene a civil society regional roundtable discussion under the theme The Implications of International Sanctions on Development and Democratic Consolidation in the Republic of Niger, on Tuesday, 28^th November 2023. The meeting was held in collaboration with 21 civil society organizations, led by the Mouvement des Jeunnes pour le Development et l’Education Citoyenne MOJEDEC of the republic of Niger. In all, the roundtable discussion enjoyed a rich participation of over 40 civil society representatives, along with experts and activists from across West Africa and beyond. Participants at the meeting passionately discussed the adverse effects that these sanctions have had on the people of Niger, as well as their implications to regional integration in West Africa.

We fully acknowledge that the imposition of sanctions is a tool often utilized to address human rights violations, democratic deficiencies, or threats to regional security, in this case the unconstitutional seizure of power by a group of the country’s military leaders and the arrest and detention of His Excellency, Mohammed Bazoum, democratically elected as President of the Republic of Niger. We understand that sanctions of this nature are meant to produce positive results in the form of agreements with the Military Junta on a roadmap for a quick handover of power to a democratically elected government. However, from our observations so far, the Junta in Niger has neither agreed to such a roadmap, while negotiations between the Junta in Niger and ECOWAS have completely broken down. In essence, therefore, the effects of these sanctions, which continue to remain in place, manifest only in the form of adverse effects on the lives and livelihoods of Nigeriens. Your Excellency, allow me at this point to recount an African proverb which goes thus: “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

Meanwhile, we note that the current economic and financial sanctions namely the closure of all the borders, the suspension of economic and business transactions, the freezing of the country’s assets and the option of a military action against Niger have severely impacted the livelihoods of ordinary Nigeriens, amplifying their struggles and depriving them of basic human dignity. The shortage of essential goods, limited access to financial services, and reduced trade opportunities have led to an increase in poverty and want, exacerbating the already fragile socio-economic fabric of the country and the long subsisting humanitarian challenge as a result of environmental and climate-linked challenges. As a matter of fact, given that Niger is a land-locked country, the effects of these sanctions, especially its economic component, will have consequences that directly affect intra-regional trade between Niger and several countries in the region, including Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Such a condition of increased fragility can also create conditions for the myriad of long-running security challenges in the country to thrive thus directly contributing to instability within Niger. No doubt, these sanctions have an undermining effect on regional integration within the ECOWAS region entirely.

Your Excellency, we have reasons to believe that the continuation of sanctions against Niger in their current form, without a clear roadmap for meaningful dialogue or mutually beneficial solutions, may serve only to defeat its own purposes. We therefore wish to humbly urge, Your Excellency, in your esteemed position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of States and Government, to use your influence and diplomatic prowess to initiate a dialogue aimed at finding a sustainable resolution to the issues affecting Niger. We humbly request that you champion the cause for the adoption of the following decisions by the Authority of Heads of State and Government:

1. Easing of the economic and financial sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger immediately as an act of good faith towards bringing members of the military Junta to the negotiation table
2. Mandating the ECOWAS Commission to, despite the existence of diplomatic sanctions, continue to provide full technical support to Niger’s public institutions and agencies for the effective implementation of programs relevant to regional integration and development in West Africa
3. Continuing to explore the option of dialogue and mediation by community leaders and citizen groups (including civil society) across the region, in line with the spirit and letters of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF) and the ECOWAS Vision 2050

Furthermore, Your Excellency, allow me to use this opportunity to state WACSOF’s commitment to the ideals of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law as constituting the basis on which the stability and development of West Africa can best be guaranteed. We firmly believe that constructive dialogue is the best option for the restoration of stability and democratic order in Niger. We offer our utmost support to ECOWAS in its efforts to address the challenges faced by its Member States and stand ready to contribute meaningfully to any processes that fosters peace, stability, and shared progress within the region.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We strongly hope that, with your intervention along the path that we have humbly suggested, the socio-economic conditions in Niger shall improve, the General Abdourahamane Tiani-led Military Junta will return to the negotiation table and ultimately, a clear path back to democratic order in Niger will be initiated.

Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.

Yours sincerely,

Kop’ep Dabugat

General Secretary

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

CC :

1. Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers
2. Hon. President, ECOWAS Commission
3. Hon. ECOWAS Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace and Security

Attachments:

Advocacy Document: Ref: 0393-2023/DE/MOJEDEC, Subject: Plaidoyer pour une sortie de crise au Niger:              

WACSOF CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SIERRA LEONE MILITARY INSTALLATION 

It is with great dismay that the WEST AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM (WACSOF) learnt of the Sunday  morning breach of security in the Republic of Sierra Leone. Information reaching us reveals that it was an  attack carried out by a group of unidentified armed individuals on the military armory within the  Wilberforce barracks in the capital, Freetown. We have also learnt that the Sierra Leonean security  forces were able to repel the attack and are progressively routing out the attackers. 

While the situation in Sierra Leone continues to unfold, WACSOF hereby expresses its deepest concern over the incident. We also note that the incident has the potential of undermining peace and stability as  well as truncating the pace of democratic consolidation in the West African country following its just  concluded Presidential elections. 

WACSOF strives for peace, stability, and democratic governance in the West African region and Africa as  a whole. We vehemently reiterate our unwavering stand against any unconstitutional takeover of  political power.  

In the wake of this incident, WACSOF therefore calls for solidarity with the Government and people of  Sierra Leone. Particularly, WACSOF calls upon ECOWAS, other regional organizations, and the  international community to stand together against any form of aggression and support Sierra Leone in  restoring peace and security within its borders. 

Meanwhile, we also urge the relevant authorities of the Sierra Leone Government to thoroughly  investigate this incident, unmask the identity and motivations of the perpetrators and bring them to  justice. 

Finally, WACSOF states its commitment and readiness to support all efforts to prevent and address any  threats to peace and stability in West Africa, while calling on civil society in Sierra Leone to work closely  with regional and national authorities to prevent and address the issues squarely. Together, we will stand  firm in our pursuit of democracy, security, and the respect for the rule of law. 

Kop’ep Dabugat 

General Secretary  

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) 

Email: kopep.dabugat@wacsofoscao.org 

Phone: (+234) 8036523475 

Website: www.wacsofoscao.org

ABUJA – On November 20, 2023, the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) extends its warmest felicitations to the people of Liberia on the successful conduct of the presidential runoff election. This momentous event marks a significant milestone in the consolidation of democracy in Liberia and sets an inspiring example for the region and beyond.

WACSOF commends the Liberian people for their unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles in the electoral process. The high turnout and peaceful nature of the election reflects the aspirations of Liberians for transparent and accountable governance.

We applaud, particularly, the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by former football star and current President Mr. George Weah, who conceded defeat with grace and dignity to his opponent Mr. Joseph Boakai, even before all the results were completely tallied. He has set a powerful example for leaders across the entire continent and West Africa in particular.

WACSOF congratulates President-elect Mr. Joseph Boakai on his victory. We express our confidence in his ability to lead Liberia and work diligently towards the realization of the aspirations of the Liberian people. We encourage President-elect Boakai to, when sworn-in, adopt an inclusive and unifying approach in build a better future for all of Liberia’s citizens.

We also commend the Liberian electoral institutions for their professionalism, transparency, and dedication in ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Their tireless efforts in organizing a successful election have contributed in no small measure to preserving the sanctity and integrity of the democratic process in Liberia.

WACSOF holds up the peaceful elections in Liberia as a shining example and calls on all West African nations to emulate Liberia’s commitment to democracy, electoral integrity, and peaceful political transitions. By upholding these core values, we can collectively foster stability, good governance, and socioeconomic development throughout the continent.

Further, WACSOF urges the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to continue to work closely with the military Juntas in the republics of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger towards restoring democratic order in these countries. In line with the ECOWAS Vision 2050, ECOWAS should continue its efforts in addressing terrorism, humanitarian challenges, poverty and climate change, which are currently ravaging these countries.

Kop’ep K Dabugat

General Secretary, WACSOF

Email: kopep.dabugat@wacsofoscao.org 

Mobile: +234(0)8036523475