One month after the coup d’état that took place in Niger, the former President of Benin, Boni Yayi, has spoken out. In a statement released on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the former President of the African Union (AU) shared his opinion on the current situation.
Boni Yayi strongly condemns the removal of Mohamed Bazoum by the military but opposes the use of force contemplated by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis. The former AU president emphasizes the need for a peaceful solution. “I appeal for dialogue and a negotiated diplomatic solution. Dialogue and diplomacy must take precedence over the military option,” he stated.
A military intervention in Niger would have significant implications, which Boni Yayi urges ECOWAS to consider. “It is evident that such an intervention would lead to confrontation between our states and peoples, resulting in the weakening of our economies and ultimately the disintegration of ECOWAS. We should absolutely avoid this in order to preserve the memory of the founding fathers of ECOWAS,” the former Beninese president stated.
It should be noted that, in the perspective of a peaceful resolution to the crisis, the Nigerien junta has recently proposed a 3-year transition before relinquishing power. This proposal on the table has not yet prompted an official reaction from ECOWAS. However, behind the scenes, it is already known that ECOWAS will oppose it. In the meantime, Mohamed Bazoum and his family are still in the custody of the military.
