In the member nations constituting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a sense of concern has rippled through opposition parties regarding the potential for a military intervention within Niger’s borders. In the nation of Benin, where the party ‘Les Démocrates’ holds a considerable position within the opposition, a notable development has taken place. The party, esteemed for its influence, has recently directed a series of approximately twenty oral inquiries toward the government. Although the National Assembly is presently in a parliamentary recess until September, the roster of these questions was unveiled to the public on the 14th of August, marking a notable engagement with the government’s stance on the matter.
The commencement of the queries presented by the Beninese Democrats is marked by a serious accusation: “Enlisting Benin in an armed conflict against the fraternal and sovereign people of Niger stands as a contravention of the constitutional principles enshrined within Benin’s governance.”
Subsequently, an array of pointed inquiries ensue, touching upon a variety of dimensions. These encompass inquiries such as whether the government intends to seek the parliamentary consensus before any prospective intervention, the precise count of Beninese soldiers anticipated to be involved, the allocation and particulars of their additional incentives, the arrangements laid out for the families of these soldiers in case of unfortunate casualties, the measures being undertaken by the government to support Beninese citizens residing within Niger, and a discerning query that questions whether the prioritization of the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum’s authority takes precedence over safeguarding the lives and welfare of the general populace.
Amongst the nineteen questions posed, certain ones pivot towards the economic sanctions that have been instituted against Niamey in the aftermath of the coup. A final question, however, pertains directly to the ECOWAS institution: “What prompts the institution to adopt an uncompromising stance against military coups while concurrently tolerating instances of institutional coups?”
Wilfrid Houngbédj, the official spokesperson of the Beninese government, has offered his perspective, clarifying that no formal declaration of war has been made. In his response, he also urges the party ‘Les Démocrates’ to meticulously review the constitutional document. Counterbalancing this official stance, an activist aligned with specific perspective quips, “The opposition’s vocal expressions are perhaps a manifestation of its necessity to establish a presence, and resolutions to their queries may potentially be attained after the unfolding of any prospective military engagement.”