©AfreePress-(Lomé, november 06, 2023)- On Monday, november 6, 2023, the Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Togolese Abroad, published a 2-minute and 21-second video on its official X account, formerly known as Twitter. This video featured General Salifou Modi, the second most influential figure in Niger’s junta, accompanied by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
During his address, General Salifou Modi disclosed a meeting that took place with Togolese President, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. He discussed the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on Niger, which he described as « unjust » and « cynical. » General Modi emphasized that these sanctions amounted to a declaration of war by certain ECOWAS member states against Niger. He expressed his gratitude to Togo and announced that the United States and Togo would serve as guarantors for the withdrawal of French forces from Niger.
« We discussed the unjust and cynical sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on our country, Niger. Beyond these sanctions, it is war that some ECOWAS states have declared against Niger. Fortunately, we have friends, and among these friends, we have Togo by our side. We had requested that the United States could serve as guarantors, but we particularly demanded that Togo be our guarantor in this agreement. We are prepared to work with Togo, » he stated.
On the other hand, Robert Dussey, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Togolese Abroad, expressed his gratitude to the Nigerien government for designating the United States and Togo as guarantors for the withdrawal of French forces from Niger. He also thanked the Nigerien delegation for their cooperation in establishing a support group for the transition in Niger. Robert Dussey underscored Togo’s commitment to peace, stability, and harmony in the region, despite its opposition to the seizure of power by force and coups d’état. He noted that Togo’s assistance to Niger was crucial for the region and ECOWAS, and that President Faure Gnassingbé shared this perspective. Nevertheless, Minister Dussey did not provide details regarding the location or circumstances of the meeting between President Faure Gnassingbé and the Nigerien delegation.
« I would also like to thank you for your willingness to work together to establish the support group for the transition in Niger. Togo has always stood for peace, and Togo opposes any seizure of power by force and any coup d’état. But in the specific situation of your country, Togo is committed, Togo wants to help you so that there is peace, harmony, and stability in our region. The President of the Republic was telling you earlier that if Togo did not commit to helping you, his concern, and I repeat what President Faure Gnassingbé said, so helping Niger is helping ECOWAS, it is helping the region; otherwise, the entire region will be destabilized, » he stated during his address.
It is worth noting that since the coup d’état that occurred in Niger on May 6, 2023, Togo has consistently supported the Nigerien people, favoring diplomatic channels and negotiations over military intervention in this fragile nation, torn apart by jihadist insurgency and separatist movements in the northern part of the country.
Socio-political crises in the sub-region remain a concern for several countries and international organizations. To contribute to the resolution of these crises, the Togolese Head of State has opted for dialogue and consultation to help the parties involved find common ground for peaceful resolutions.
Whether in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, or most recently in Niger, Faure Gnassingbé’s initiatives have proven successful. He has been called upon to act as a facilitator between Niger and the entire international community.
In the case of Niger, the President of the Republic has discreetly invested efforts to achieve a peaceful solution, despite ECOWAS’s military option, sanctions imposed by certain countries, and the dire situation in this fraternal nation.
Even the United States supports the choice made by the Togolese Head of State, which is why, despite its military presence in Niamey, this superpower is not in favor of military intervention. This is why Togo and the United States have been designated as guarantors of the security of the withdrawal of French forces from Niger.
President Faure Gnassingbé remains a reference in conflict resolution, regardless of their origins. His discreet yet effective interventions aimed at finding diplomatic solutions to sometimes tense situations are unanimously supported by the international community.
It is worth mentioning that in October, the Head of State initiated the first Lomé Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. This international meeting focused on discussions regarding endogenous mechanisms for conflict prevention and management, peace consolidation, and the promotion of good governance. The recommendations resulting from this forum will be discussed during African Union summits.
Faure Gnassingbé’s leadership remains unquestionable in resolving conflicts for the consolidation of social peace and stability in the sub-region, the Sahel, and the continent.
Olivier Adja
