Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, has voiced his strong opposition to the concept of an African nation intervening militarily in another African country.
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Niger, Senator Nwoko proposed an alternative approach, asserting that the best course of action for neighboring and concerned countries would be to engage with the military junta to establish a clear transition plan.
According to him, the junta has garnered substantial support from the citizens of Niger who aspire for genuine independence. He pointed out that Niger, despite being a significant global supplier of uranium, remains economically challenged.
“I will never support invasion of another country in Africa, let alone one African country invading another. Such actions diminish our collective dignity and stature.
“The crisis unfolding in Niger demands a prudent response from neighboring and concerned nations. Engaging with the military junta to facilitate a well-structured transition program seems most fitting. Not sending soldiers to invade the country.
“It’s important to note that this junta enjoys substantial backing from the citizens of Niger, who are aspiring for genuine self-reliance. It’s striking that despite contributing around 5% of the world’s uranium supply, Niger remains among the world’s poorest nations,” he stated.
Senator Nwoko stressed that the focus should shift to diplomatically assisting the nation’s transition toward a democratically elected government, if that’s the direction they choose. He also acknowledged the possibility of a benevolent military regime and suggested that the citizens should have the autonomy to decide their governance system, even through a referendum.
The Senator drew attention to the non-violent nature of the coup, highlighting the restraint shown by the soldiers despite having the means to use force. He criticized the idea of foreign intervention, particularly by the French and American armies, to restore democracy, characterizing it as an insult to the African continent.
Nwoko noted the importance of true African independence, suggesting that the interference of external powers could jeopardize the sovereignty of any African nation, including Nigeria.
In his words, “Our focus should be on diplomatically aiding the transition towards a democratically elected government, if that’s the path they choose. Equally valid is the possibility of a benevolent military rule, subject to the approval of the people.
“The avenue of a referendum to determine their preferred governance model, be it democracy or a military regime, is worth exploring. It’s noteworthy that the coup occurred without violence, even when the soldiers possessed the means to take life.
“For those saying that the French and America have thousands of soldiers on ground to fight Niger military to restore democracy, to me that’s an insult on Africa.
“Today it’s Niger, tomorrow it could be Nigeria or any African nation. I cannot support the idea of foreign armies causing harm and imposing their leadership style, effectively silencing dissent. We must staunchly oppose any further attempts at interference in Africa. True independence for the continent is non-negotiable.”
Senator Nwoko further urged ECOWAS, with particular emphasis on Nigeria, to abandon the idea of military intervention and instead seek diplomatic and peaceful solutions to the crisis in Niger.
