Prominent Liberia politician, Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh has warned President Bola Tinubu Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to adopt military intervention in ongoing Niger Republic political crisis.
Kouyateh, who was a presidential aspirant of the Liberia First Movement in the buildup to the West African country’s 10th October 2023 election, said that President Tinubu should rather opt for dialogue and peaceful negotiations with the interim leadership in Niger Republic. “It is through open and constructive dialogue that we can address the underlying grievances and work towards sustainable solutions that uphold the principles of democratic governance”. he said.
Kouyateh attributed the emergence of military actions in the sub-region to the “involvement of special presidential guards who operate outside the control of the national army”.
He also blamed the development on the inability of African leaders to “uphold the principles of democratic rule, which encompass accountability, justice, and the protection of human rights”.
The full statement: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of ECOWAS. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your leadership, vision, and commitment to regional cooperation. I am confident that under your guidance, ECOWAS will continue to make significant strides towards fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in West Africa.
“However, I write to you today with a matter of great urgency. The recent coup d’état in Niger has deeply troubled us, and we condemn this unconstitutional act. It is disheartening to witness citizens celebrating coup plotters, which indicates a concerning disillusionment with the existing state of affairs. In light of these events, it is crucial for ECOWAS to seize this opportunity to thoroughly investigate the root causes that contribute to military interventions in our member states.
“One factor that recurrently emerges in these coup attempts is the involvement of special presidential guards who operate outside the control of the national army. This undermines the authority and effectiveness of the military forces entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining stability within our nations. Furthermore, we have observed instances where countries, such as Liberia, have armed ex-rebels without providing adequate logistical support to state security forces. These dynamics erode democratic values and the rule of law.
“In light of these challenges, I implore you, Mr. President, to exert all possible efforts to avoid the use of force in repelling the coup d’état in Niger. Instead, let us prioritise dialogue and peaceful negotiations with the interim leadership. It is through open and constructive dialogue that we can address the underlying grievances and work towards sustainable solutions that uphold the principles of democratic governance.
“Additionally, I urge you to utilise your position to encourage African leaders to uphold the principles of democratic rule, which encompass accountability, justice, and the protection of human rights. These principles form the foundation of a just and prosperous society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their preservation. As an organization deeply committed to the well-being of ECOWAS and its member states, the LFM (Liberia First Movement) stands ready to provide support and assistance to ECOWAS in its endeavors to promote peace, stability, and democratic governance in the region. We firmly believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges facing our nations and forge a brighter future for all West Africans.
“Once again, please accept my warmest congratulations, Mr. President. I have full confidence in your wisdom and leadership to guide ECOWAS towards a future characterised by peace, stability, and democratic progress”.
