The leadership of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa www.ituc-africa.org) presents its courtesies to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and wish to draw your attention to the subject.
The ITUC-Africa is a pan-African trade union organisation representing over 17 million workers in 53 of the 54 African countries, including workers in the Republic of Niger. We are headquartered in Lome, Togo.
Chairperson, you would recall that the ITUC-Africa has issued two statements condemning the coup in Niger and opposing the option of a counter military intervention to reinstate the ousted civilian government of President Mohamed Bazoum to power (please see https://ituc-africa.org/ITUC-Africa- Urges-Diplomacy-Over-Military-Intervention-in-Niger-s-Political.html and https://ituc-africa.org/Press-statement-on-ECOWAS-threat-of-military-intervention-in-Niger.html ). We have continued to monitor the situation and observed that the political impasse in that country have triggered concerns by African workers and the plight of citizens on the continent.
To effectively gauge the mood of our members, the ITUC-Africa conducted a survey. The survey, titled “Survey on Public Opinion Regarding Recent Events in Niger and African Workers’ Concerns”, encapsulates critical insights that warrant immediate consideration and action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We are pleased to share the outcome of the survey with you.
The survey, conducted in August 2023, provides a comprehensive understanding of African workers’ perspectives on the recent military coup in Niger and the subsequent implications for regional stability and democracy. The report underscores the significance of the survey’s findings, particularly in relation to the potential for ECOWAS military intervention, broader democracy-related concerns, and the imperative of people-centred governance.
In light of the survey’s key findings, we would like to highlight the following critical recommendations and considerations:
1. Diplomacy Over Military Intervention: The survey findings align with the principle that military intervention is not an optimal solution. Instead, the report strongly advocates for a diplomatic approach as the way forward. Promoting peace and stability is paramount, as this approach ensures that workers’ lives and livelihoods are preserved.
2. Mitigating Spill-Over Effects: The survey highlights the potential for detrimental spill-over or domino effects if ECOWAS were to intervene militarily. The open counter-threats by neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso emphasize the need for a cautious and balanced conflict resolution approach. A rash decision could exacerbate regional tensions and complexities.
3. Promoting People-Centred Governance and Upholding Democratic Values: The survey emphasizes the importance of people-centred governance in fostering stability and democratic engagement. Upholding constitutional integrity and democratic principles is essential for building trust among citizens.
Considering these recommendations and insights, we humbly urge ECOWAS to consider the survey report as a vital guide in navigating the current challenges posed by recent events in Niger. By adopting a collaborative and diplomatic approach and aligning actions with the aspirations of the West African sub-region, we can collectively safeguard democracy, regional stability, and the welfare of African workers.
We are confident that your esteemed leadership will consider these insights with the utmost seriousness they deserve, and we remain hopeful that ECOWAS will take decisive and considered steps to address these concerns.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to your thoughtful response and the continued efforts of ECOWAS in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in our region.
Your sincerely,
Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary
