The escalating political turmoil in Niger, coupled with the looming prospect of military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the Nigerien putschists, has deeply troubled Bénin’s opposition party, “Les Démocrates”. In a press release issued on Saturday, August 5, 2023, Eric Houndété, the party’s president, asserted that the military coup in Niger not only propels this neighboring nation into a precarious situation but also “attracts opportunistic individuals accustomed to exploiting such crises.”
“Les Démocrates” unequivocally “condemns any seizure of power by force, irrespective of its manifestation, and deplores the increasing frequency and spread of coups d’état across West Africa.” The leader of Bénin’s opposition further explained that “these occurrences typically emerge within political and socio-economic landscapes characterized by injustice, restrictions on freedom, exploitation of citizens, the monopolization of shared resources by an elite group, systematic oppression of the populace, the subversion of institutions, suppression of popular will, exclusion, and the manipulation of constitutions and electoral processes.”
Despite these observations, “Les Démocrates” urged ECOWAS member states to prioritize diplomacy, particularly dialogue, as the primary method for conflict resolution, reflecting the diverse values and cultures prevalent in the region. The party also advocated for proactive prevention, emphasizing the need to vigorously and genuinely counter “constitutional coups,” poor governance, and exclusion throughout the ECOWAS bloc. Under the leadership of Deputy Eric Houndété, the party also raised critical questions concerning “the legal basis for declaring war on a member state of our economic community” and “the specific mechanisms by which the Government intends to seek parliamentary authorization to commit our children, our brothers, our compatriots to a war declared against a neighboring state.”
Furthermore, the party expressed concern over “who will finance the war effort.” Eric Houndété stated that instead of encouraging heads of state to “embark on the perilous, hazardous, and ill-advised path of force,” his party implores the Béninese government “to champion the cause of dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.” He believes this approach is “a guarantee of peace for the sister Republic of Niger and ensures the preservation of common interests shared by our two peoples and two states.” Consequently, “Les Démocrates” “reaffirms its proposal and demand for national political dialogue, recognizing it as an essential catalyst for fostering peace and development within our own nation.”
