The Foundation for Peace Professionals, popularly known as PeacePro, has expressed strong condemnation of the recent coup in Niger Republic.
They firmly assert that coups have never provided a viable solution to addressing insecurity in the African continent, nor do they have the capacity to bring about economic prosperity.
PeacePro also called on the leadership of the African Union and ECOWAS to end the presence of foreign military bases across the region.
The Executive Director, Mr. Abdulrazaq Hamzat, issued a statement highlighting that military coups in the subregion tend to initially receive public support due to the presence of foreign military forces. He pointed out that these forces are often held responsible for the persistent and prolonged insecurity, particularly in the Francophone region.
According to Hamzat, the recent coup in Niger Republic and the initial public excitement it generated in the country might be a temporary feeling, but it is also an indication that the people of the country do not have sufficient evidence that their democratically elected government is acting as an independent authority, devoid of foreign pressure and influence.
Investigation amongst the people of Niger Republic indicates that they want closer ties with Mali and Burkina Faso, all Francophone countries united in a mission to send foreign military forces out of their countries.
Hamzat emphasized that while condemning military coups, it is imperative for the established civil authorities in the continent to showcase their ability to safeguard the well-being and territorial integrity of the region.
The fundamental issues and grievances leading to the coup should also be addressed, not just in the Niger Republic, but also in Mali, Burkina Faso and others.
PeacePro has called upon the African Union and ECOWAS to prioritize a mission aimed at ending the presence of foreign military forces in the continent within the next 24 months.
The organization believes that taking such action will be crucial in fostering stability, security, and sovereignty in Africa.
