Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) Urges Thoughtful Approach by ECOWAS Amid Niger Crisis.
Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd.) has provided a thoughtful perspective on the situation in Niger, where soldiers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and took control of the country. He cautioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to exercise prudence in their response to restore democracy, particularly concerning the regional bloc’s mention of potential military intervention.
The seasoned security analyst expressed his concerns about the haste surrounding the possibility of military intervention. In his interview on The Point of View aired on Citi TV on August 9, Colonel Aboagye highlighted the importance of informed decision-making. He suggested that ECOWAS should engage with military leaders in Niger and the Sahel region, seeking insights into the intricacies of intervention, including its requirements, costs, and risks.
Aboagye’s stance also emphasized the need to factor in the interests of global superpowers involved in the crisis. He noted the distinct positions of countries like the United States and France, underlining the significance of these considerations in order to avoid exacerbating the situation. He stated, “We need to be careful with some countries like America… France has also not mentioned the reinstatement of Bazoum, France mentioned its interest.”
Additionally, Colonel Aboagye advocated for a comprehensive dialogue about the fundamental principles of democracy. He emphasized that a strong democracy is essential for preventing coups and maintaining stability on the continent. He highlighted the importance of good governance, the rule of law, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts in bolstering democracy.
Aboagye’s insightful perspective calls for careful deliberation in dealing with the crisis and reinforces the necessity of prioritizing democracy-building initiatives across the region.
