The Executive Committee of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) met on Friday, 18th August, 2023 to deliberate on the situation in Niger and strongly condemned the Abdourahamane Tchiani-led coup d’état in Niger that toppled the constitutionally-elected government under the leadership of President Mohamed Bazoum.
However, leadership of TUC equally condemned the attempt by ECOWAS to use force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“We hold a strong view that any attempt to remove the Tchiani-led military junta in Niger by force will further escalate the tension and the insecurity in the region. There is simply no reason for ECOWAS to wage a war in Niger, more so when there is no consensus among ECOWAS members,” forms part of an official statement to the effect, and released to the press.
The TUC Executive Committee added that no one can impose democracy on any country until and unless, the people themselves are ready for it.
“The lessons from Afghanistan are still very fresh in our minds and so we have no excuse to send our military men and women to die in Niger. We need them at home to protect us from the insurgents and external forces who are gradually but surely coming close to our borders with neighbouring countries.”
The leadership of TUC rather urged ECOWAS to focus on its original and core mandate of economic development, regional integration and poverty eradication in West Africa.
“We urge the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, not to even contemplate deploying Ghanaian troops to fight in Niger. It will be a disaster that will haunt Ghana for a very long time if he makes that mistake.”
The Trades Union Congress urged all organised labour groups in Ghana, Nigeria and other countries in the region to form an alliance with progressive civil society organisations, including religious and faith-based groups, students, youth groups, women’s groups and traditional leaders to stand up against any attempt to declare war on our sisters and brothers in the Republic of Niger.
TUC is confident that through diplomacy, constitutional order can be re-established in the Republic of Niger if ECOWAS leaders engage the military junta in good faith, with clean hearts, and clear minds.
We do not need war in West Africa. We need peace, social and economic development, and stability. That is what we want our leaders to focus on, Secretary-General of the TUC Dr. Yaw Baah said in conclusion.
