• Say Libya is an example of the negative consequences of military actions
Concerned about the possible consequences of the planned military intervention in the Republic of Niger, the Association of Bishops’ Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) has called on the authority of ECOWAS leaders to desist from the use of force to restore the constitutional regime in the country, may the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP report.
RECOWA, comprising all Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops in West Africa, also urged the sub-regional leaders to learn from what happened in Libya in 2011, describing it as a tragic example of the disastrous consequences for people’s lives, dignity and future.
They expressed their concerns in a two-page letter sent on August 7 to the ECOWAS President, ECOWAS Heads of State and the Transitional Authorities in Niger, calling for dialogue and reconciliation instead of belligerence and military response.
The letter, signed by Reverend Alexis Touabli Youlo, President of RECOWA and Bishop of Agboville, was a continuation of the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum in the Republic of Niger and the determination of the ECOWAS Authority to deploy everyone.
Even the use of force is necessary to re-establish the constitutional regime in Niger.
Despite a seven-day ultimatum issued to the military government led by General Abdurrahman Chiyani to restore Niger’s constitutional government, ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations have failed to resolve the Niger crisis.
All other diplomatic measures taken were not taken into account.
Peace and stability in a troubled country.
Thus, in its two-page letter, RECOWA explores the need for pacifism rather than belligerence in the management of this crisis, and invites every actor beyond the subregion to show restraint, insight and responsibility.
The letter read in part: “We, the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of the Reunion of the Episcopal Conference of West Africa, after consultation, are deeply concerned by the sub-regional tensions linked to the political situation in Niger.
The lives of people in West Africa are at stake in the face of current events in the subregion.
“By holding the integrity of the people as our core vision and emphasizing respect for human dignity and a high sense of accountability to humanity, history and the Creator God, we affirm that nothing can justify the creation or facilitation of an environment that is destructive to our people.”
The letter strictly stated that no individual, national, regional, geopolitical or sectarian interests or projects should take precedence over the preservation of the life, human dignity and well-being of future generations in West Africa and beyond.
On this basis, the message reads as follows: “We, your shepherds, are convinced, and people’s history teaches us that violence does not solve any problem, not even the problem that caused it.
We affirm that any military intervention in Niger at this time will consider the situation of the people of Niger and the subregion rather than offer a solution.
“Terrorism has taken horrendous lives of widows, orphans, displaced people, hungry people, disabled people, etc.
People do not expect regional, African and other institutions to add to this toll,” the West African Catholic Bishops observed in their letter to sub-regional leaders.
Looking back, the bishops cited the 2011 NATO military intervention in Libya as a tragic example of disastrous consequences for people’s lives, dignity and future.
They therefore said: “We cannot remain silent in the face of such situations and must learn lessons to ensure that such events do not recur, particularly with Niger as a potential epicenter of a similar crisis.
As an Episcopal Conference, our mission is intimately linked to the promotion of reconciliation and peace.
We firmly believe that every human being is called to live in peace and to be a peacemaker in accordance with the teachings of the Bible and the instructions of the holy books of other religious denominations that urge us to work for reconciliation and brotherhood among all peoples.
“Peace is a precious gift that we must cultivate and preserve together.
It is like a common mat that we have to weave together, with each person contributing their own thread.”
The Patriarch considered measures to strengthen and promote peace within the subregion.
They also challenge all men and women and national, sub-regional and international organizations to play an active role in easing tensions and promoting lasting peace, noting that people in the region areas of “mutual love and acceptance and constantly seeking to improve their coexistence.
“This is a natural gift that we must support and encourage.
All actors and institutions should contribute positively to this process by fostering dialogue and cooperation,” the bishop further demanded.
They called on the African Union and ECOWAS to show responsibility in the face of history and return to their missions.
At this critical and critical time, according to him, it is imperative that these organizations play an active role in finding a peaceful and lasting solution, putting the interests of the people and their dignity first.
The bishops have asked the leaders of the region to sincerely respond to this call for self-restraint, recognition and responsibility, but work together to build a future of peace and prosperity for the West African region and Africa as a whole.
