Ghana Catholic Bishops Condemn ECOWAS Military Intervention in Niger
ECOWAS Military: The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has unequivocally denounced ECOWAS’ intention to deploy military forces to Niger to restore constitutional democracy following a recent coup by some soldiers.
Concerns Over Anarchy and Insecurity
According to the Conference, while they are equally concerned about the situation in Niger as it has the potential to fuel even further anarchy and insecurity in the region, the use of military force to remedy the situation should not even be contemplated.
Stance Against Military Intervention
“It is the position of the Conference that the idea of an ECOWAS military intervention for the restoration of the constitutional regime in Niger should not even be contemplated,” it said.
Risk to Vulnerable Populations
In a statement signed by the President of the Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, it said such an intervention could further exacerbate an already tense situation putting vulnerable populations into peril.
Regional Response and Threats
“We should note that already Mali and Burkina Faso have dispatched warplanes to Niger in response to a potential military intervention by ECOWAS.
Moreover, Burkina Faso has threatened to withdraw from ECOWAS if the bloc intervenes militarily in Niger.
Appeal to Peaceful Approach
“In line with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 14:27), we, as a Conference, are opposed to any military intervention against the coup makers in Niger, as this will exacerbate the already precarious situation in that country where civilians such as women, children, aged, weak and vulnerable in society are bearing the biggest brunt of the chaotic situation,” it said.
Diplomatic Avenues and Long-Lasting Solutions
The Conference has thus urged the regional bloc to explore and exhaust all diplomatic avenues to avoid bloodshed and chaos.
“This will require further engagements with the coup leaders to discuss a concrete roadmap for the situation.
The Conference is confident that this approach will enable all parties and the mediators to speedily design long-lasting solutions to the situation in Niger.”
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Reiterating Regional Position
It added that “The Conference, as a member of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), made up of the Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops in West Africa, reiterates the position of RECOWA, which calls for restraint on the part of the ECOWAS leaders for the use of force to restore the constitutional regime in Niger.
Appeal to Ghana and African Leaders
“The Conference further urges the government of Ghana to refrain from the use of force and likewise urges its colleague leaders to do the same.”
Call for Governance Review
Meanwhile, the Conference has urged African leaders and their people “to review the system of governance on the continent to be inclusive, human-centered, and one which creates opportunities for all to promote the national and continental development agenda.”
A Plea for Peaceful Resolution
“May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), guide all persons, including the coup makers, to amicably resolve this volatile situation in Niger and together make the best decisions for the interest of the people of Niger, Africa, and the world at large,” it concluded.