An Author, Conflict & Security Analyst, who doubles as a Consultant on UN-AU Joint Planning for AU Peace Support Operations, Colonel Festus Aboagye says ECOWAS has no moral right to invade Niger with military to restore democracy. 

According to him, four ECOWAS heads of state who are part of this decision, also violated their respective constitutions to remain in office.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story with Evans Mensah on Thursday, August 17, he lashed out at ECOWAS’s intransigence regarding the use of diplomatic channels to resolve the impasse in the troubled country. 

Colonel Festus Aboagye insisted that war is not in the best of interest of West Africa and thus urged the leaders to hasten slowly. 

“I’ve been pointing out that this intervention is not a good course. It is not a just course because four of the heads of state ascended to power through unconstitutional means.”

“So four non-democrats who violated their own constitutions and ECOWAS’ core fundamental values cannot turn around and say that they are going to Niger.”

“It’s not a just course. A just course is one that is based on principle and indeed I have had occasion to say that war is immoral.”

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, has emphatically defended the regional body’s stance on military intervention in Niger.

In response to calls urging a revocation of the decision for military action, Musah described such appeals as unjustifiable.

Addressing the Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff convened in Accra, Ambassador Musah underscored the gravity of the situation in Niger.

The meeting is aimed to strategically outline an intervention plan for Niger, pending approval from ECOWAS leaders.

Ambassador Musah affirmed that if ongoing diplomatic dialogues fail to yield results, the standby force is prepared to act decisively. 

He added that the regional body’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability within Niger remains unwavering.

“Let no one be in doubt that if everything fails, the valiant forces of West Africa, both the Military and Civilian components are ready to answer the call of duty. Your valiance has been demonstrated time and time again,” Ambassador Musah said.

But Col Aboagye says diplomacy is still the option for the organisation.