Renowned Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Refutes Notions of ECOWAS Aligning with Western Interests in Niger’s Political Crisis Resolution Efforts
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Doubts have been dispelled by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former Minister of External Affairs, regarding claims that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is merely acting on the behalf of France and other Western nations while addressing the political turmoil in Niger Republic.
ECOWAS, a pivotal West African bloc, is presently dedicated to reinstating democracy in Niger following the military’s seizure and detainment of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
In response, the regional body has imposed a series of sanctions on Niger and has even hinted at the possibility of military intervention if the coup leaders fail to relinquish power to Bazoum.
In an interview, Akinyemi stated that despite his reservations about French involvement in Africa, ECOWAS is primarily focused on preventing the proliferation of coups within the sub-region.
He articulated, “French troops have been stationed in Niger, and despite their presence and the persistent terrorist activities in the Sahel – whether in Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso – over the past 60 years, one might wonder about their true impact. Their agenda appears more aligned with safeguarding France’s interests than those of Africans.”
While he distances himself from overtly defending French actions, Akinyemi, a scholar by profession, noted that there is a distinction between ECOWAS policies and French agendas.
Akinyemi elaborated, “The French have vested economic interests, while ECOWAS views the coup in Niger as a potential threat to regional stability and security. ECOWAS aims to prevent the contagion of coups across its member states, thus prompting a firm stance on the situation in Niger. This stance, however, does not imply that ECOWAS is following French directives, nor does it suggest that Nigeria is under the sway of French influence.”
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