Settlement of the socio-political situation in Niger: Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji justifies the option of ECOWAS

The socio-political situation in Niger after the takeover by the military continues to stir the news in the sub-region. In his recent media release, the Deputy Secretary General and Spokesperson for the Government of Benin, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji clarified the military option advocated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  for the return to constitutional order in the country.

Benin is one of the countries in the sub-region that remains faithful to the position of ECOWAS in the context of the settlement of this crisis. And the authorities did not go out of their way each time to let it be known. Through his latest media release on this subject, the Deputy Secretary General and Government Spokesperson returned to the main reason for this position. For him, the era of coups is over. “Are coups d’état admissible in our countries in the 21st century? ? Do Africans have to put up with the return of the military to power not through the ballot box but through arms? ? He wonders before noting that "Our countries have for several decades already made the choice of democracy as a means of expression of the peoples and a way of conquest and exercise of political power".

This is why he will say "on the principle, ECOWAS has always been against coups, against putschs and the Nigerian example is no exception to this doctrinal position”. He therefore insists that only elections are the ultimate means of access to power.. "The Ballot, it is the major instrument that democracy places in the hands of populations to tell them : appreciate the governance, appreciate the action of those you have elected, you validate them or you sanction them according to the achievement of the results” he explains..

Edmond HOUESSIKINDE