As the “military intervention becomes more imminent,” just before the end of the ultimatum given by ECOWAS to the coup leaders, the Togolese Vodoun priest, Togbui Zewouto, has offered his help to the people of Niger.
Several months after being arrested for blasphemy against Christianity following a live broadcast on social media where he burned a bible, the controversial Vodoun priest Togbui Zewouto is once again in the spotlight. In a video recently circulated on his social platforms, Zewouto, a fervent follower of Vodoun practices, reveals his commitment to the struggle and victory of the Nigerien people against Western influence, with a particularly critical view towards France.
Indeed, Togbui Zewouto filmed himself during a Vodoun session, invoking ancestral spirits to address the precarious socio-political situation in Niger. Following the recent coup that overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, the Vodoun priest takes a stand in favor of the African nation, proclaiming loudly: “I have risen for Niger.” He evokes the war of the dead, calling on the deceased heroes of African history to join forces with the living in the quest for independence and sovereignty.
In his viral video, Togbui Zewouto emphasizes the vital nature of African solidarity. For him, Niger’s destiny resonates as a call to the entire continent, where each country is bound by deep ties and shares the responsibility to support those fighting for their freedom. Far from being merely a spiritual manifestation, his act aims to remind that the unity of spirits and efforts can transcend borders to forge a united and resilient Africa.
As a reminder, Togbui Zewouto’s video comes at a critical moment for Niger. The ultimatum addressed to General Tiani, demanding the release and restoration of Mohamed Bazoum to lead the country, has now expired. Events are accelerating, with the closure of the airspace announced by the National Council for the Salvation of the Homeland (CNSP), facing an imminent threat of external intervention.
