The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) Sulemana Braimah has said that coups in West Africa should be a concern to all.
He said the solution to the military takeovers lies in proving to all that democracy is better for all.
He tweeted “MILITARY COUPS: We should all be deeply concerned about coups in West Africa. Imposing stricter sanctions that worsen the plight of the already suffering masses cannot and has never proven to be a solution. The solution lies in proving to all that democracy is better for all.”
MILITARY COUPS: We should all be deeply concerned about coups in West Africa. Imposing stricter sanctions that worsen the plight of the already suffering masses cannot and has never proven to be a solution. The solution lies in proving to all that democracy is better for all.
— Sulemana Braimah (@sulemana) July 31, 2023
His comments come after soldiers in the West African country of Niger announced a coup on national TV.
They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation’s borders.
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by troops from the presidential guard since early on Wednesday.
He was promised Washington’s “unwavering support” in a call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also said he had spoken to the president and offered the UN’s full support.
Mr Bazoum is a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa.
Two neighbouring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have experienced coups triggered by jihadist uprisings in recent years.
In both countries the new military leaders have fallen out with France, the former colonial power, which also formerly ruled Niger.