Kwesi Pratt Jr, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has asked that France stops disparaging African countries, particularly those who are a part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to Kwesi Pratt, the situation in Niger is getting more and more intriguing, and at every turn, Heads of State from West Africa appear as people who did not consider the matter carefully, and their recklessness is now clear to everyone.
He disclosed that France, which would probably benefit most from a conflict in Niger, has offered about $25 million to West African nations to send troops to fight in Niger. He added that when he heard the figure, he was very angry because he did not understand what France took African states for.
“$25 million? Go and kill other Africans, and our soldiers should go and die and all? So that France can continue to power his electric bulbs, industries and so on. $25 million?…So annoying. And I insist that even one African life; the life of one Ghanaian soldier is even worth more than $25 million. France should stop insulting us. They’ve insulted us in the past, they should stop insulting us.
“I think that those who will seek equity, the maxim says they ought to demonstrate themselves and uphold certain values and so on. You have West African leaders, not all of them but some of them, a few West African leaders wanting to go to war to restore democracy in Niger. And every move they have made is one undemocratic and a violation of law. Every move they have made.”
Kwesi Pratt Jr
The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper also asserted that it was clear that, in accordance with international law, one could neither invade nor conduct war against another nation, without the explicit consent of the UN Security Council. He asserted, however, that because the ECOWAS leaders’ actions lack the express approval of the UN security council, they are unconstitutional.
Moreover, he argued that it would be problematic to establish democracy in another nation and thereby, questioned how “a bunch of lawless leaders” could do so. He claimed it was evident from the constitutions of African Nations that they could not declare war without the express consent of their parliament.
“Now here, you have President Tinubu of Nigeria who actually took the steps to get a parliamentary approval for this invasion of Niger. His parliament told him that they would not approve such move. Why is he still continuing on this reckless path? Clear lawlessness, no commitment to upholding the Nigerian constitutions and yet, he wants the Nigeriens to uphold their constitution. That’s a huge problem.
“If you take President Tinubu again, it is important to recognize that even apart from the fact that his own parliament says no to war, Governors of his states bordering Niger have told him that they would not allow their territories to be used for this reckless attack on Niger. It doesn’t send any signal to him? People from his own political party have told him that this is a reckless act that should not be encouraged, yet he is still pursuing that line.”
Kwesi Pratt Jr
Kwesi Pratt Questions The Right Of ECOWAS leaders To Agree To War
Regarding the measures used by several West African countries to thwart coup d’états, Kwesi Pratt brought up Senegal’s President Marky Sall, pointing out that despite Senegal being in complete anarchy at the moment, its President advocated a military invasion of Niger.
“As a matter of fact, when he was trying to go to Abuja to take part in this decision, majority of the opposition leaders in Senegal had been locked up. Police were still shooting into crowds; they were shooting tear gases and rubber bullets into crowds. Now this President looks the world in the face and says that I am going to restore democracy in another country. What about his own country?
“Just yesterday, I saw videos of some of the developments in Senegal and I said that this man, if there is anybody who has to be punished for trampling on his country’s constitution and disrespecting the fundamental rights of his people, it is Marky Sall. He’s also rushing to go and restore democracy in Niger…I just wonder.”
Kwesi Pratt Jr
Additionally, he brought up Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alhassane Ouattara, whom he said was a direct victim of a coup d’état, due to the French army’s installation of Mr. Ouattara after storming Bagbo’s parliament.
“Look at how he is behaving. Alhassane Ouattara actually amended his country’s constitution, gave himself a third term and the worst part of it, these leaders today who are in a hurry to go and restore democracy in Niger, went to congratulate him for doing a very good job. Our President was one of those Heads of States who went to Abidjan to congratulate Alhasan Outtara for changing the term limits in his constitution and installing himself as President.”
Kwesi Pratt Jr
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