By Abdallah el-Kurebe
ASHENEWS reports that the Center for Peace Studies of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift all sanctions imposed on Niger Republic.
This online platform further reports that the Center made the call in a communique issued at the end of an international symposium on “The Niger Crisis and the Future of African Integration”, held on Monday, August 28th, 2023.
The communique was jointly signed by the chairman of the occasion, Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, and the Director of the Center, Prof. M. T. Usman and made available to ASHENEWS on Wednesday.
“The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS should be lifted immediately to restore electricity and allow for supplies of food, medicines and other essential necessities for the citizens of Niger,” the communique said.
It also called on the military regime in Niger Republic, to release Mohamed Bazoum and other detained officials unconditionally.
The one-day symposium, organized under the chairmanship of Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, is part of the mandate of the Center to conduct researches and make interventions as well as proffer recommendations for conflict resolutions.
Speakers at the symposium included Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, who delved in the topic, “An Overview of the History of Intercommunity Relations and Political Transitions in West Africa up to the Contemporary Period”, and Prof. Toyin Falola: “Assessing the Implications of the Niger Crisis on Intra-Regional Trade and the Economic Integration of Africa”.
Others were Dr. Musa E. Umar, mni: “A Review of the ECOWAS Treaty – Achievements and Challenges in the Context of the Niger Crisis”, and Prof. Aja Akpuru-Aja: “Security Challenges and Sustainable Democracy in West Africa: An Analysis of Policy and Strategy in the Context of Niger Crisis”.
Based on the presentations and contributions by other participants, the following observations were made:
Historically and geographically Africa had been an integrated community.
Religion, trade, language and other aspects of culture had contributed to the integra ration process in the history of Africa.
ECOWAS has been inconsistent in adhering strictly to the provisions of the protocol prohibiting unconstitutional change of government.
The sanctions imposed on Niger Republic is causing a lot of hardships and sufferings to the ordinary citizens of the country.
Good governance and democracy are the fundamental mechanisms for the promotion of peace and political stability.
In the same vein, based on the presentations, the following recommendations were made:
Intercommunity relations and other forms of social and economic interactions should be strengthened to promote African integration.
The channels of communication through dialogue and diplomacy initiated by ECOWAS should be sustained as opposed to the use of force to resolve the impasse in Niger Republic.
In the spirit of reconciliation, the military regime in Niger Republic should immediately release Mohamed Bazoum and other detained officials unconditionally.
The period of the transition programme for a return to a democratic system in Niger Republic should not exceed one year.
The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS should be lifted immediately to restore electricity and allow for supplies of food, medicines and other essential necessities for the citizens of Niger.
ECOWAS should be consistent in upholding the provisions of the protocol that prohibits unconstitutional change of governments among member states.
African leaders should promote the principles of good governance and avoid constitutional amendments in favour of tenure elongation.
