A human rights organisation, Citizens Action for Good Governance on Saturday called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States and the international community to sanction leaders of the recent military coup in the Republic of Niger.
While condemning the coup d’etat carried out by the military in the Niger Republic, the organisation said the coup was out of fashion and remained the wrong approach for the military officers involved to express their perceived grievances.
The National Coordinator of CAGG, Mallam Nazir Galadanchi, at a press conference in Abuja, applauded the steps taken so far by the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the prompt deployment of troops to secure the Nigeria-Niger Republic border to forestall any spill of the coup into Nigeria was strategic.
There have been at least seven successful coups leading to unconstitutional transfer of power in five sub-Saharan African countries in the past two years. Some of the countries include Chad, Mali (twice), Guinea, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and now Niger.
The scenario has led to fears of a resurgence of coups on the continent. The military in Niger sacked the civilian government of President Mohammed Bazoum who was elected in 2021 in the first civilian handover of power. Bazoum’s presidential guard had held him hostage in the palace on Wednesday, allegedly on account of “bad governance and worsening security.”
On Friday, the Head of the Presidential Guards Unit, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared himself Niger’s new leader.
While describing the coup as highly barbaric and uncivilised, Galandachi said the action of the military officers who spearheaded “this undemocratic measure based on their selfish ambitions is unpopular and against the wish of the people.”
He said, “This coup d’etat is an affront to the existing democracy in the country because President Mohammed Bazoum who has been held by troops from the presidential guard since early on Wednesday was duly elected and recognised by the international community, and whoever that topples his government forcefully is an enemy of the people and democracy.
“We at CAGG stand with the people of Niger Republic and demand that President Mohamed Bazoum be released immediately along with his family and calls for the immediate restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
“The international community must stand united against any attempts to subvert democracy and the rule of law. As a beacon of hope and justice, we urge all nations, regional organisations, and stakeholders to condemn this coup unequivocally and demand the immediate release of President Bazoum.
“Furthermore, Citizens Action for Good Governance calls on the international community to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the coup to demonstrate the collective commitment to protect democracy and deter any future attempts to undermine it.
“We appeal to them to exert diplomatic pressure on the perpetrators of the coup to reverse their actions. The detained President’s rights must be fully respected, and he must be granted a safe return to his rightful position as the democratically elected leader of Niger.
“Niger has made significant strides towards establishing a democratic government and ensuring the rule of law. The coup attempt poses a serious threat to the progress achieved thus far and undermines the aspirations of the Nigerien citizens for a prosperous and democratic nation.
“The coup represents a regressive step, jeopardizing the rights and aspirations of the Nigerien people. Such actions not only violate the principles of democracy but also undermine the collective efforts of the nation to achieve prosperity and a better future for its citizens.
“This coup is the fourth in six decades of Niger Republic, and we will not allow the military and non-state actors to criminally sneak into power to achieve their nefarious and well-organised crime to suppress the will of the citizens of Niger Republic as well as truncate democratic order in the nation.
“We call on General Abdourahamane Tchiani and all military officers involved in this action to immediately vacate the seat of power in Niger. We call upon them to recognize the will of the people and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any grievances or concerns through peaceful means, respecting democratic norms and institutions. The future of Niger lies in the hands of its people, and their voices must be heard and respected.
“In this critical time, we stand in solidarity with the Nigerien people and extend our unwavering support to their rightful quest for democracy, human rights, and stability.
“We call upon all Nigeriens to remain calm and peaceful in expressing their grievances and to work together towards a united, democratic, and prosperous Niger. We appeal to them to stop the destruction, looting, and lawlessness currently going on in the country.”
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