Africa

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree on D-day for invasion of Niger Republic

Published

8 months ago

August 19, 2023

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree on D-day for invasion of Niger Republic

The Defence Chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ended their two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, Friday, with an agreement on a “D-day” for a possible military intervention to restore civil rule in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts fail.

This is coming on the heels of the United Nations reaction to Niger’s military junta threat to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for high treason, saying “rule-by-gun has no place in today’s world.”

Soldiers from the Presidential Guard had on July 26 deposed President Bazoum, thus truncating the constitutional political leadership in the West African country.

Two days later, the soldiers named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader of the country, with Tchiani warning against any foreign military intervention.After a meeting of ECOWAS Heads of States and Government in Abuja last week, the bloc directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger.

The West African army chiefs decided to meet in Ghana (Thursday and Friday) to hatch out the logistics and strategy for a possible use of force in Niger that ECOWAS has said would be a last resort.

Speaking on Friday after the Defence Chiefs’ meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the “D-Day” for the military intervention in Niger Republic had been agreed, without disclosing the exact date.

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Musah said: “We are ready to go anytime the order is given. The D-Day is also decided. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention.”

Musah noted that the community was still seeking to engage with the junta peacefully, saying, “As we speak, we are still readying a mediation mission into the country, so we have not shut any door.

”The ECOWAS Defence Chiefs had on the first day of the two-day meeting in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, to fine-tune details of a potential military operation to restore Bazoum if continuing negotiations with coup leaders fail, pledged readiness to participate in a standby force that would restore democracy in Niger.On that first day, all member states, except those under military rule and Cape Verde, agreed to activate a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.

On July 30, ECOWAS, led by Nigeria, decided on sanctions against the military Junta in Niger and gave a week’s ultimatum to them to restore ousted Bazoum to office.In addition to a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and the suspension of financial transactions with Niger, ECOWAS decreed the freezing of “all service transactions, including energy transactions.”

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UN to Niger Junta: Rule-By-Gun Has No Place in Today’s WorldMeanwhile, the United Nations yesterday reacted to Niger’s military junta threat to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for high treason, saying “rule-by-gun has no place in today’s world.”

Last Sunday, the Niger junta threatened to prosecute Bazoum for high treason over his exchanges with foreign heads of state and international organisations.Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said last Sunday that the military authorities had “gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute the ousted president for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger.”

Reacting yesterday, the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk said there was no legal basis for Niger’s military junta to prosecute deposed president Bazoum for high treason.Turk, also stated that the very notion of freedom in Niger was at stake.He said, “This decision is not only politically motivated against a democratically elected President but has no legal basis as the normal functioning of democratic institutions has been cast aside.

“The very notion of freedom in Niger is at stake. Generals cannot take it upon themselves to defy – at a whim – the will of the people. Rule-by-gun has no place in today’s world.”The coup leaders have imprisoned Bazoum and dissolved the elected government of Niger, a major uranium producer and a Western ally in the fight against an Islamist insurgency.

ECOWAS defence chiefs agree on D-day for invasion of Niger Republic

Related Topics:defence chiefs ECOWAS Featured Niger Republic

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Africa

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Following weeks of disruption, electricity supply has been finally restored in most cities across Sierra Leone after a part payment was made for the $48m (£38m) utility bill it owed to a Turkish company, Karpowership.

The payment of the sum of $18m comes as the country’s energy minister, Kanja Sesay announced his exit from government, saying he took full responsibility for the crisis.

Most electricity supplies to the capital, Freetown, is generated from a Turkish ship floating off the country’s coast.

Last week, Karpowership said it had severely cut supplies to the city, from 60 megawatts to 6 megawatt, citing backlog of unpaid bills.

Residents of the country’s main cities have been going for days on end without any power and hospitals have also been affected.

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At least one infant has died because of a lack of power, while medics have been using mobile phones to provide light as they carry out procedures, Reuters news agency quotes a doctor as saying.

“How do you iron your clothes, how do you make your food, how do you go to sleep? We pay our electricity bills so I don’t see why we should be forced to live like this,” BBC quoted a second-year engineering student in Freetown, Fatmata Gassim as saying.

Following the resignation of Sesay, the office of President Julius Maada Bio said the energy ministry would now fall under the direct supervision of the president.

Karpowership previously cut supplies to Sierra Leone in September over unpaid bills.

It is one of the world’s biggest floating power plant operators, with several African states relying on it for electricity.

In October, it briefly cut power to Guinea-Bissau, saying it had no option “following a protracted period of non-payment”.

Electricity crisis forces Energy minister to resign

Africa

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Published

5 days ago

April 23, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.

One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.

The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.

There are no known survivors.

“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.

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It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.

One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.

The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.

The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).

In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.

The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.

Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead

BBC

Africa

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2024

Trends Admin

Bassirou Faye

League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye

The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.

In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.

Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.

Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.

Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.

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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.

“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”

As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.

About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:

The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.