World

ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2022

News Net Global

ECOWAS, US, France Condemn Military Take-Over in Burkina Faso

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the coup d’etat in Burkina Faso, describing it as a step backward.

The regional body had in two separate statements on the military take-over of government in the West African countries condemned the action in its entirety.

In an early statement when the military had not explicitly came out to declare a take-over, the body said: “ECOWAS is following with great concern the political and security developments in Burkina Faso since Sunday, 23 January 2022, characterized by an attempted coup d’état.

“ECOWAS condemns this extremely serious act which cannot be tolerated under the relevant regulations.

“It holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. ECOWAS calls on the military to return to their barracks, to maintain a republican posture and to give priority to dialogue with the authorities to resolve the problems.”

The body came out with a new statement when the picture became clearer that military was not going to change its posture. The statement read that: “ECOWAS notes that, despite calls by the regional and international community for calm and respect for constitutional legality, the situation in Burkina Faso is characterised by a military coup d’état on Monday 24 January 2022, following the resignation of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, obtained under the threat, intimidation and pressure of the military after two days of mutiny.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this military takeover which marks a major step backwards for Burkina Faso. An extraordinary ECOWAS summit will be held in the coming days to examine this situation.”

Sanctions are expected to be issued after the extraordinary meeting by ECOWAS against Burkina Faso to compel the military to retrace their steps.

In a similar development, the United States has equally condemned the military putsch,

A statement by the spokesman of Unites States Department of State, Ned Price, read: “The United States is deeply concerned by events in Burkina Faso. We note that military officers have asserted that they have dissolved the government and national assembly and suspended the constitution.

“We are also deeply concerned by reports of the January 23 detention of Burkina Faso’s President, Roch Marc Kaboré, by members of Burkina Faso’s military. We condemn these acts and call on those responsible to deescalate the situation, prevent harm to President Kaboré and any other members of his government in detention, and return to civilian-led government and constitutional order.

“We acknowledge the tremendous stress on Burkinabé society and security forces posed by ISIS and JNIM but urge military officers to step back, return to their barracks, and address their concerns through dialogue.

“The United States is closely monitoring this fluid situation, and we call for restraint by all actors as we carefully review the events on the ground for any potential impact on our assistance.”

Also, the French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the military take-over.

Also Read: 2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for…

In his reaction to coup d’etat during an interview by Radio France Internationale (RFI), Macron: “As you know, France is present in the region to fight terrorism. And I am constantly committed to working alongside regional bodies. ECOWAS condemned yesterday this new coup d’état, which was led by the military. And since President Kaboré has been democratically elected by his people twice, France supports the position of ECOWAS. Our priority is obviously that his physical integrity is preserved and that calm is maintained.

“Today it is too early to go into more detail, if I may say so, in the characterisation of the situation in Burkina Faso. And it is clear that this situation remains worrying in view of what has happened since the summer of 2020 in Mali and what has happened in recent months in Guinea. And I think that the region must be supported in its desire to maintain civil transitions and democratic elections. In addition to this, I would like to remind you that our priority in the region is obviously to continue to fight against Islamist terrorism, which continues to wreak havoc in Mali, but also in Burkina Faso, which has been the target of numerous terrorist attacks in recent times.”

He added that: “Moreover, when we look at the demands, the motivations of the coup plotters, it is clear that the security situation and the blows that have been dealt to both the army and the civilian population by these terrorist groups is a determining factor in this rebellion. So our desire is in close collaboration with ECOWAS on the one hand, but also with all the states involved, what we call the Accra Initiative, to fight against all forms of terrorism in the region, and to stand by the states and the people.”

On whether he entertains fear that other countries will suffer from what are called popular coups, Macron said: “We must not underestimate the fatigue and exhaustion created by the permanent attacks of terrorist groups, which weaken the armed forces on the one hand, and which also profoundly weaken the link with the population and the legitimate institutions. So, this is also why, if we want to fight for education, economic emancipation, stability in these democratically elected countries and for the sovereignty of the states, it is important to continue to intensify the fight against terrorism.”

The French President said he does not yet have any information about the deposed Burkina Faso’s President.

He said: “I don’t have any more information than that which has been passed on. It was confirmed to me last night that he was in good health and that he was not under threat. I hope that this will be officially guaranteed in the next few hours and that we will collectively ensure that he and his family are placed in safety.”

World

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

Published

5 months ago

December 6, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

By: Michael Mike

The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Mirjana Spoljaric has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

Spoljaric, who was in Gaza to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians, reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

She also reiterated the ICRC’s call for the hostages to be immediately released.

According to a statement from ICRC, Spoljaric travel to the region is happening in several stages, with a visit to Israel expected over the coming weeks.

The statement issued before her visit read: “In Gaza, President Spoljaric will spend time with the ICRC team on the ground and visit the European Hospital, where ICRC medical teams have been conducting life-saving surgery alongside local healthcare workers.

“The ICRC has also been providing medical and other supplies to health care facilities as well as livelihood support to displaced people.

“The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been providing ambulance and other core healthcare services in extremely dangerous circumstances in Gaza since the fighting escalated. Many humanitarian and health workers, including members of the PRCS, have been tragically killed in the conduct of their duties over the last weeks.”

Spoljaric was quoted in the statement to have said: “The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible.

“The purpose of my visit is to advance efforts that alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation. I will convey my deep concern for the plight of civilians and underline the ICRC’s utmost commitment to doing everything we can to ease their suffering. We have urgently appealed for civilian life to be protected and respected on all sides, in line with international humanitarian law, and I reiterate that appeal today.

“An unimpeded and regular flow of aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely. The hostages must be released, and the ICRC must be allowed to safely visit them.

“The last week provided a small degree of humanitarian respite, a positive glimpse of humanity that raised hopes around the world that a path to reduced suffering could now be found. As a neutral actor, the ICRC stands ready to support further humanitarian agreements that reduce suffering and heartbreak.”

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

News

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received Germany support in the sum of €81 million grant to address vital areas of development in the subregion

This brings to €500 million, the total Germany’s support over a decade.

The President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray made the announcement on Sunday when he received the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz who is in Abuja on a two day visit to Nigeria.

Touray revealed that the grant will cover peace and security, social protection in the sub-region amongst other things.

The Commission’s President, said: “Recently, we concluded an agreement of €81 million that the government of Germany and the people of Germany has decided to grant ECOWAS to support in various areas.

“The grant will cover areas such as peaceful and inclusive society, climate and energy transition, sustainable and economic development, health, social protection and population. These are important sectors and we appreciate Germany for their support.”

He equally disclosed that ECOWAS and Germany have agreed to work closely to address the numerous challenges facing the sub-region.

Touray during a joint press briefing with the German counsellor, said: ” Your Excellency during our discussion, we talked about the challenges that this region is facing such as insecurity, and infrastructure deficit. We have agreed to continue working together. Our regions are closely linked. What happens in one area affects the other and then we appreciate what Germany is doing individually and through the European Union for supporting this region.

“We are appreciative of the partnership that the region continues to enjoy with Germany and the EU particularly in the area of peace and security, and strong governance.”

On his part, the German Chancellor stressed the need to support the subregion in developing its infrastructure and other institutions, noting that it was important to improve trade exchanges in the subregion.

He said: “These are structures that have to be set up in order to improve the exchange at the level of ECOWAS countries. Strengthen the economic, strengthen power of countries that are united in this organisation.”

He also listed health, peace and security amongst other areas of cooperation with ECOWAS.

The German Chancellor In the area of security, said his country is in support of ECOWAS stand on Republic of Niger.

He stressed that his country does not support the evil take over of government .

He said: “The situation of peace and security in the region is important. The times are turbulent and we have to make sure that in such times peace and security can be provided for and ECOWAS has played an important part in the recent past as far as that is concerned.

” So we particularly value the exchange with ECOWAS on this subject matter. It is about not accepting military coups demanding that a return to constitutional authority takes place and provide for peace and security in the region.

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

News

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

By: Michael Mike

Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has said his country would stop at nothing to exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman described as act of terrorism, the killings of about 1000 unsuspecting civilian Israeli citizens by Hamas group.

According to him, Israel would do what it ought to do to finally exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman said, “So, Israel is going to react, we have declared war on Hamas.

“It is important to state at this point that this is not a war that is between Israel and Palestine, this is not about Israel and Palestine.

“This is about Israel and Hamas, this is about good and evil, this is about civilization and barbarism.

“Either you stand with people who are defending themselves or you stand with those who cut the heads of babies.

“That is what this is about, it is not about anything else.”

He assured of Israel’s plan to do everything within its ambit to avoid civilian casualties in the cause of the war against Hamas.

He mentioned that the Israeli move would not be about religion or Islam, Judaism or Christianity, but evil and good.

The ambassador further said that Israel does not desire war in any circumstances, but would remain committed to protecting its citizens in all possible ways.

“If Hamas will surrender this will be over tomorrow morning, if terrorism will be over that is not realistic.

“I am not asking the Palestinians anything, I am saying to the Palestinians I want a better day. I am saying this with focus on Hamas.

“I am focused on dealing with Hamas and I am focused on stopping it.,” the envoy added.

Earlier, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdallah Shawesh, underscored the need for application of international laws to resolve the lingering crisis between Palestine and Israel.

Shaweh, who made the call while briefing journalists in Abuja in view of the ongoing war between the two countries urged the international community to stop treating Israel as a nation above the law.

In his response on the Palestinian government position about Hamas, the envoy said the group is not a terrorist organisation.

According to him, there should be fair treatment of all parties, saying the lives of all individuals mattered and thereby, condemned the incessant killings ongoing in both countries.

Shaweh said, “ The group is not a terrorist organisation, but it is fighting the course of the people, to liberate their land from Israeli occupation.

“The ceasefire agreement between the warring parties depends on Israel, which own a comprehensive military formation with support from allies like the United States.

“Many women and children were killed, medical doctors displaced and Ambulances destroyed in the renewed onslaught, the oldest churches in the world was destroyed by the Israeli forces.”

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador