Africa

Niger: We’re more likely to use force — ECOWAS

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2023

Niger: We’re more likely to use force — ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States has said it was more likely to use military force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.

This will be if the military junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, was bent on his three-year transition plan.

Fielding questions on Channels Television’s breakfast programme: “Sunrise Daily,” ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, also dismissed insinuations that ECOWAS was acting under the influence of a foreign power.

He explained that the community’s chances of using military force to restore constitutional order in Niger were very likely.

Musah said: “Right from the 1960s, I have never seen a coup that has not enjoyed continuous support from the people.

“The support can be engineered; you can rent crowds; that does not imply that people are unconcerned about their future.

“The high level of youth unemployment is a factor; mismanagement of our resources is a factor.

“But is the military a better sort of governance of our economy?

“Empirical data in our region never demonstrate that.

“So is that the right way to go about trying to change the system?

“A few years ago, you could not even talk of an incumbent president being defeated in an election.

“Since about 1992, we have seen alternations of power where sitting presidents were defeated and where ruling parties were defeated, whether in Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or even Liberia.

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“So there’s already progress.”

On the plan by ECOWAS to pragmatically restore peace to Niger after the crisis, he said: “What plans does the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani have for the country?

“They are now embarking on a blind experiment, saying they are going to have a three-year transition, they are going to consult people, so they themselves came without a plan.

“Now that they have overthrown a democratically elected government, they are thinking about alternatives.

“We have seen that where coups have occurred, we have not seen any major alternative better to save the population the military claim to save in those countries.

“So before the coup, ECOWAS had identified the cascading terrorism moving from Burkina Faso to coastal countries as an existential trend that threatened the livelihood of West African citizens and was an impediment to economic development.

“Let’s first remove that obstacle and put in place a regional plan for governance, which is already there.

“So there are rules and engagement for developing the country through regional and economic integration and increasing intra- and West African trade.

“All these are there, but they take time to bear fruit, and the military is not an alternative.

“We are just talking about West Africa as if it were an island.

“All these challenges we are talking about are global.

“Even in most advanced countries, ordinary people are suffering, and they have not chosen to take part in overthrowing their governments.

“So why here?

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“The inflation in the US, UK and other parts of Africa is not better than what we are seeing in West Africa today.

“In terms of ECOWAS reinstating constitutional order, it starts with consultation with all the active forces in the country, including political parties, the labour movement, and civil society organisations, they all have a say in it.

“So at the regional level, ECOWAS is already in the process of developing the economic and social council, which is the interface between civil society and policymaking in the region.

“The main driving slogan of ECOWAS is transforming the region from an ECOWAS of states, driven by the decisions of heads of state to an ECOWAS of the people.

“The process is ongoing.”

Asked on a scale of one to 10 how likely ECOWAS would deploy force in Niger, Ambassador Musah said: “Personally, my wish is that it should be at zero, but I think given the posture of the regime, I will put it at seven because if they continue to frustrate the non-violent proposal to reinstate constitutional order and then give an unacceptable timetable for return to constitutional order, they make the use of force more likely.

“At least, they have come forward to say they have an intention to return the country to constitutional order, but ECOWAS does not agree with the time frame, so even that agreement in principle is a move forward by the junta, but we will continue to consult to know the minimum, which would be the decisions by the authority of heads of state.”

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Asked if ECOWAS was fixated on reinstating President Mohamed Bazoum, he said: “ECOWAS is asking for the release of Bazoum and his reinstatement.

“So we are calling on the junta to be reasonable because the three years they are talking about are nothing less than a provocation to the ECOWAS community.”

ECOWAS denies influence of ‘foreign power

Ambassador Musah also disproved claims of manipulation of external powers in its efforts to resolve the political instability in Niger Republic.

While noting that foreign support was not part of the consideration of the West African body, he said: “We’ve never discussed our plans with any foreign power, whether they are on the ground, they are in the air, they are in their countries – ECOWAS is taking an independent autonomous decision.”

He noted that ECOWAS had not given any consideration to the complexities of the nationals and multinationals who had given a foot on the ground.

Musah added: “I’m just coming from Accra where the chiefs of defence staff finalised their preparation for a potential military intervention in the country – foreign support was never part of the country at all.

“We are in with our contingent, own equipment, and our resources and we are not asking anybody for support, that is the position of ECOWAS.”

Vanguard News.

Africa

‘If Nigeria Fails, We All Feel It’ – Mahama Raises Alarm Over Insecurity

Published

3 days ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana

‘If Nigeria Fails, We All Feel It’ – Mahama Raises Alarm Over Insecurity

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, revealing that he prays every day for the country to overcome its growing insecurity.

Speaking at an award ceremony in Ghana, Mahama stressed that the stability of Nigeria is critical not just to its citizens but to the entire African continent. He warned that the persistent violence fueled by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts could have far-reaching regional consequences.

Emphasising Nigeria’s strategic importance in West Africa, Mahama noted that Ghana’s security and economic well-being are closely tied to Nigeria’s success. According to him, any major breakdown in Nigeria’s security structure could trigger mass migration, placing enormous pressure on neighbouring countries.

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us. If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” Mahama said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s large population, he added that even a fraction of displaced persons crossing into Ghana could overwhelm the country.

“When you have cousins—250 million of them—you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana,” he stated.

Mahama further revealed the depth of his concern, saying his prayers for Nigeria have become a daily routine.

“Every day I wake up, I pray for Nigeria. I say, ‘God, let Nigeria get their act together,’” he said.

He also referenced historical ties between both nations, noting that migration between Ghana and Nigeria has existed for decades, with many people tracing roots across borders, particularly among Yoruba communities.

The Ghanaian president’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating insecurity, especially in the northeastern region where insurgent attacks have persisted.

In response to recent attacks on military personnel, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited troops in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, to commiserate with the armed forces.

The visit followed the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and several soldiers in a recent confrontation with insurgents. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima praised the military for its sacrifices in defending the nation.

“These men wore the uniform for all of us. They stood to protect our communities, our families, and the future of our children,” he said.

“Their courage reminds us that peace and security often come at a very heavy cost.”

The growing insecurity in Nigeria continues to draw regional attention, with leaders like Mahama calling for stronger cooperation to tackle the crisis. Analysts say Nigeria’s stability remains central to the future of West Africa, making urgent and sustained action essential.

‘If Nigeria Fails, We All Feel It’ – Mahama Raises Alarm Over Insecurity

Africa

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Pope Leo XIV has begun his first major international mission since becoming pontiff, launching an 11-day Africa tour that will take him across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea in what the Vatican describes as a landmark apostolic journey focused on peace, interfaith dialogue, and global justice.

The trip covers more than 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) and is expected to include 11 speeches, seven masses, and visits to about a dozen locations before the pontiff returns on April 23.

The Vatican, headquartered in Vatican City, says the visit underscores Africa’s growing importance to the global Catholic Church, which continues to expand rapidly across the continent.

Focus on peace, interfaith dialogue and social justice

During the tour, Pope Leo XIV is expected to address key issues including Christian–Muslim relations, peacebuilding, human rights, inequality, and poverty, particularly in regions affected by conflict and economic instability.

Church officials say the visit also reflects the Vatican’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen ties with African nations at a time of heightened global geopolitical tension.

Algeria visit: First papal trip to a Muslim-majority state

The first stop is Algeria (April 13–15), where Pope Leo XIV will become the first pontiff to officially visit the North African nation, where Islam is the state religion.

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He is expected to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, and undertake private prayers at memorial sites linked to victims of Algeria’s civil war.

Religious leaders say the visit will strongly emphasise interfaith understanding between Christianity and Islam and promote reconciliation.

Cameroon: Peace message in conflict-affected regions

From April 15–18, the pontiff will visit Cameroon, where his focus is expected to centre on peace and national unity, especially in the English-speaking regions affected by long-standing separatist conflict.

A major mass is scheduled in Bamenda, the epicentre of the crisis, with heightened security arrangements already in place.

He is also expected to meet President Paul Biya and visit Catholic schools, hospitals, and humanitarian centres that serve millions across the country.

Angola: Poverty, inequality and economic justice

In Angola (April 18–21), Pope Leo XIV is expected to address poverty, corruption, and unequal distribution of wealth, despite the country’s significant oil and mineral resources.

The pope will visit Luanda and Muxima, a major Catholic pilgrimage site located along a historic slave-trading route, where he is expected to highlight themes of healing, justice, and reconciliation.

Public debate has also emerged over the cost of the visit, even as large Catholic communities prepare to welcome him.

Equatorial Guinea: Governance and human rights focus

The final stop of the tour (April 21–23) will be Equatorial Guinea, where long-time leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since 1979.

With a predominantly Catholic population, the visit carries strong religious significance but also diplomatic sensitivity due to concerns around human rights and governance issues.

Observers say the pontiff is expected to carefully balance pastoral engagement with subtle advocacy for social justice and reform.

Earlier international trips

Since assuming the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV has visited Turkey, Lebanon, and Monaco, but Vatican officials say this Africa tour represents his most ambitious overseas mission so far.

Further international engagements are expected later in the year as part of expanded Vatican outreach efforts.

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Africa

ECOWAS Recruitment 2026: Over 30 Job Vacancies Open for Nigerians (How to Apply)

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS Recruitment 2026: Over 30 Job Vacancies Open for Nigerians (How to Apply)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 2026 recruitment exercise, offering over 30 job vacancies to qualified applicants from Nigeria and other member states as part of efforts to strengthen regional operations.

In an official notice released on its careers portal, ECOWAS said the recruitment is aimed at boosting the implementation of its sectoral programmes across key institutions within the region.

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the ECOWAS website before the April 30, 2026 deadline.

Available ECOWAS Jobs in Nigeria (Abuja)

A significant number of positions are based in Abuja, Nigeria, covering multiple sectors. These include:

Office Aide
Programme Assistant
Nurse
Protocol Assistant
Documentation and Archives Assistant
Office Manager (Bilingual Secretary)
Junior Accountant (Disbursements)
Accountant roles
Legal Officer
Political Adviser
Principal Officer roles
Registrar positions
Head of Division (Library and Documentation)
Head of Hansard

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These roles span administration, finance, legal, and governance, making the recruitment one of the most diverse in recent times.

Vacancies Across Other ECOWAS Member States

Beyond Nigeria, ECOWAS also announced openings in other locations, including:

Administrative and Finance Officer in Addis Ababa
Principal Programme Officer (Sports Policy) in Liberia
Principal Programme Officer (Water Supply and Sanitation) in Conakry
Legal and administrative roles in Dakar, Senegal

This reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to regional employment and cross-border collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria for ECOWAS Recruitment 2026

Applicants must meet specific age and qualification requirements, depending on the role:

Maximum of 35 years for support staff (G1–G7)
Maximum of 45 years for professional roles (P1–P7)
Maximum of 50 years for director-level positions (D1–D2)

Candidates are also expected to:

Possess relevant academic and professional qualifications
Demonstrate proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese
Complete and submit the official ECOWAS application form
Attach a CV and motivation letter

ECOWAS emphasized that applications without all required documents will be disqualified.

How to Apply for ECOWAS Jobs

To apply, candidates must:

Download the official application form from the ECOWAS careers portal
Fill in accurate details
Attach supporting documents (CV and cover letter)
Submit via designated email addresses before the deadline

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Fraud Alert to Applicants

ECOWAS warned that its recruitment process is completely free, urging applicants to avoid paying money to individuals or groups claiming to influence hiring.

The organisation also cautioned against sharing sensitive financial information with unofficial sources.

Gender Inclusion Encouraged

The regional body encouraged female applicants to apply, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity across its workforce.

Overall, the ECOWAS recruitment 2026 presents a major opportunity for qualified Nigerians and other West Africans to secure roles in a leading regional organisation driving economic integration, peace, and development.