Former Member of Parliament in the National Assembly of Benin, Rachidi Gbadamassi, has commented on the political situation in Niger and justified the stance of ECOWAS and President Patrice Talon.
Appearing on a private television channel last weekend, the former mayor of Parakou city gave his opinion on the coup that took place on July 26 in Niger. According to the former parliamentarian, it is the most senseless coup in recent years.
Regarding the reasons put forward by President Mohamed Bazoum’s presidential guard to justify the coup, Rachidi Gbadamassi finds them to be deceptive arguments. He believes that the fight against terrorism cannot justify the coup, as the junta that seized power tries to make it seem.
The former Beninese parliamentarian cites Mali and Burkina Faso as evidence, where the military has taken power, yet these countries continue to face jihadists. He remains convinced that these military leaders simply want to bypass the path of elections and opt to seize power by force.
Patrice Talon’s position is justified During the interview he granted last weekend, Rachidi Gbadamassi denounced what he called the intellectual dishonesty of some political actors who condemn the coup but oppose the reinstatement of Mohamed Bazoum.
According to Rachidi Gbadamassi, it is simply hypocrisy, and upon closer inspection, these political figures in their communication encourage and wish for the continuation of coups in the sub-region.
Rachidi Gbadamassi sees ECOWAS’s posture as consistent. For him, it lacks coherence to condemn the coup and do nothing to reinstate the ousted president. Regarding ECOWAS’s military option, Rachidi Gbadamassi believes that those who resort to the use of force only understand the language of force.
Discussing Benin’s position in the face of this sub-regional situation, especially the stance of the head of state, the former parliamentarian asserts that Patrice Talon is following the logic of ECOWAS, the logic of coherence.
