A seeming innocuous incident, but of utmost importance, happened on the day, the Niger Republic military adventurists announced the closure of the country’s airspace in a show of force or to rebuff the condemnation that trailed their coup. A British Airways Airbus A380 from Johannesburg to London Heathrow was reported to have gone on a 10-hour “flight to nowhere”, when Niger’s airspace was suddenly closed after the plane had taken off. And because airspace of Sudan and Libya is already closed, coupists’ action means 2,600 miles of Africa’s airspace from Western Niger to the Red Sea is blocked to flights. Other flights from Cape Town and Nairobi were similarly diverted or returned to base. The lives of about 500 people on each of these flights were severely risked because of the ambitions of power mongers in Niger.

Such is the fallout of Niger’s avoidable coup that if not swiftly nipped in the bud, could have domino effects including deaths and arms flow to further bolster regional instability. On the other hand, civilian uprising against underperforming governments and economic stranglehold of colonial masters, can be explored.

Only two days ago, a new group headed by a former rebel leader and politician in Niger launched a movement to oppose the new military junta that overthrew Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Headed by Rhissa Ag Boula, the Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR) aims to reinstate Bazoum. This being the first sign of internal resistance to the coup, the group claimed to be in support of any action ECOWAS takes against the coup people. How many more of such a group are in the offing?

While we hope the Niger debacle does not become a full-blown war that could turn the country into the playfield of international interest groups, and by extension distabilise Nigeria, or inadvertently draw Nigeria into a war it never envisaged, the emergence of CRR is a sign of things to come—total chaos. Niger could become Libya that has remained unstable and rudderless more than 10 years after its leaders in Tripoli and Benghazi turned against each other “necessitating”a Western intervention. Sudan has since joined that rank of instability. Should ECOWAS watch and do nothing?

Already, Mali and Burkina Faso have technically rebuffed ECOWAS. Pray, what is the use of coming together as a regional body and all the treaties entered into if ECOWAS cannot call recalcitrant members to order?

The ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance abhors coup. Its recent pronouncement is in keeping to that protocol. Again, its past efforts in restoring democracy to Sierra Leone does not in any way portray it as a war-seeking body. Instead, the new military government is defiant; they disallowed General Abdulsalami and the Sultan’s emissary, while consolidating, to legitimize an obviously illegal government.

This and more are what ECOWAS, incidentally headquartered in Nigeria and at present led by Nigeria’s new President Bola Tinubu was quick to avoid in their first offer of dialogue and threats, sanctions, attempts at negotiation and dialogue, and finally the latest talk of deployment of a standby force, as diplomacy seems to be failing.

For our insurgency and banditry-weary Northern states bordering Niger Republic and attendant effects—insecurity, IDPs, hunger and poverty—war is not an option. But because Tinubu spoke forcefully against coups in the region when he took over as ECOWAS chairman, people now assume ECOWAS’ position to be his.   

Dialogue or democracy, ECOWAS had to come in no matter how inconvenient. However, while the regional body can intervene militarily, it is almost politically impossible to do so. Therefore, the talk about Tinubu forcing the hands of ECOWAS to start a war does not arise. Nigeria cannot unilaterally use force in a collegiate arrangement that ECOWAS is. Besides, I understand that no regional group (like ECOWAS) can apply force without the UN’s consent and with regards to Niger, you can be sure that France and Russia will veto such at the UNSC, (UN Security Council) if it comes up.

it is also true that Nigeria has not, or is not pursuing the path of peace, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Niger issue. On Tuesday, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former Emir of Kano paid a visit to the junta leader. Sanusi said he was not an emissary of the Nigerian government, but the government was aware of his mission to Niger, backing it up with a return trip from Niger to President Tinubu. Sanusi might not have disclosed the full details of his visit, but the diplomatic overtures could not have happened if the government was intent on waging a war against Niger Republic.

From the coup issue came another discourse about the economic liberation of francophone countries and Africa in general. This is very germane to the development of the continent or lack of it. Supporters of the Niger coup have used their exploitation by France to justify their action. However, working with Wagner is like trading one colonial master for another, and replacing colonialism and economic exploitation with neo-colonialism. Russia’s Wagner is not on ground in Africa for the fun of it. Simply put, their steady encroachment can engender another form of cold war being “fought” on the African soil.

There have been talks that the coup is a signpost for Niger’s economic liberation. Africa should liberate itself from imperialism and economic exploitation, the type France has imposed on its former colonies since independence—not that Anglophone countries like Nigeria are better), but Niger is going about it the wrong way. With Russia in and China by the door, I hope Niger’s case will not result into another divide and rule tactics of the past, and finally a recourse to another Berlin Conference.

Yes, we must assert ourselves. We must control our natural resources and Niger must exploit their huge deposits of uranium for the development of their country, but we don’t need a proxy war to achieve this objective. 

All diplomatic options should be explored towards amicable resolutions. According to Ambassador Usman Sarki, permanent sovereignty of peoples and nations is part of UN resolution; and this impasse has provided the leeway for Niger, nay Africa to assert their powers over their natural resources.

Coup is an unconstitutional, unlawful and illegal takeover of power, so is Niger’s. Niger as a member of ECOWAS is a signatory to all their pacts, treaties and protocol and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as chairman of the regional body has a responsibility, in consonance with his colleagues, to act, speak up and condemn it. And as the saying goes, when your neighbour’s house is on fire, you have to be watchful, because it could be your turn. This for me is the summary of what our President has done so far.

Russia on Friday warned against a military intervention in Niger, a day after West African leaders said they would muster a “standby” force in their efforts to return the president toppled by a coup.

“We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a report by global news agency, AFP.

Recall West African leaders approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger, an intervention that will take place as soon as possible, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said Thursday.

The ECOWAS regional bloc did not provide details on the force to be deployed or the timetable for action against the military officers who seized control of Niger two weeks ago, deposing Mohamed Bazoum as president.

But on his return to Abidjan from the emergency summit in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, Ouattara said: “The Chiefs of Staff will have other conferences to finalise things but they have the agreement of the Conference of Heads of State for the operation to start as soon as possible.”

Ivory Coast would provide a battalion of 850 to 1,100 men alongside soldiers from Nigeria and Benin, and other countries would join them, Ouattara said.

“We are determined to restore president Bazoum to his functions.”

Earlier, in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray had announced the deployment of the bloc’s force.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a non-violent solution to reverse the coup, praising the “determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis” in a statement on Thursday.

The bloc was “playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS’ leadership and work on this”, he told reporters earlier Thursday.

Former colonial power France gave its “full support to all the conclusions” ECOWAS reached, the foreign ministry said.

But even as the summit took place, Niger’s new military rulers moved to consolidate their position and signalled further defiance by appointing a new government.

A 21-member cabinet will be headed by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian, with generals from the new military governing council leading the defence and interior ministries.

The coup leaders have already defied the Sunday deadline set by ECOWAS a week earlier to reinstate Bazoum — detained since July 26 — or face military possible intervention.

In Abuja, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the crisis meeting, said: “All is not lost yet” for a “peaceful solution, as a roadmap to restore democracy and stability”.

But he added: “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”

Before the closed-door talks, Tinubu had insisted that “we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach”.

– ‘We must engage’ –

The 15-nation bloc is struggling to stem military takeovers that have now swept through four of its members in three years, potentially heralding fresh instability in a region struggling for years against jihadist insurgencies.

Before the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged that “the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first summit has not yielded the desired outcome”.

An attempt this week to send a joint team of ECOWAS, UN and African Union representatives to Niger’s capital Niamey was rejected by the coup leaders.

“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum,” Tinubu said.

[Vanguard]

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has said that the Nigerian Navy will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to enhance its operational activities.

Ogalla said this during the presentation of a paper by navy participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 31, entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Ship Maintenance: Strategic Options for the Nigerian Navy by 2035”.

The CNS said that the use of AI was significantly transforming the maritime industry, adding that the Nigerian navy was embracing it to improve the availability of ships towards enhancing operational effectiveness. He added that ships were increasingly becoming sophisticated with advancements in technology and the incorporation of AI and other emerging technologies in their construction.

According to him, the Nigerian navy must continue to adopt and integrate these technologies in order to maintain a competitive edge during operations.

Nigerian Navy and technology

Ogalla said the paper was timely as it would invigorate the navy’s consciousness towards AI and other emerging technologies and their implication for operational effectiveness.

He commended the participants for their efforts in drafting a roadmap for transforming the Navy’s maintenance system into an AI-compliant system.

He similarly applauded their novel suggestion of the use of In-Transit-Hull cleaning that would save the navy a lot of foreign exchange from docking ships for hull cleaning.

Why AI?

In his remarks, the Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the choice of the 2023 topic was deliberate considering that AI was an emerging technology that could enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the navy in various aspects such as ships systems, weapons, networks and command and control, which makes the participants’ research work very germane.

He, therefore, asserted that the strategies proffered by the participants would enhance the navy’s capabilities and operations, in line with Nigeria’s security objectives.

The commandant added that the college would continue to support the navy in its efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

[Nairametrics]

One of Nigeria’s topmost political economists, Prof. Pat Utomi, has disclosed that he is battling prostate cancer.

Utomi, on Friday, August 11, disclosed that he is down with the ailment, adding that it was detected in 2022.

Utomi revealed via Twitter on Friday:

“I am moved by this dawn of light to confront an epidemic under the carpet with great harm to men. Prostate cancer is bringing death and misery to many men.

“Had they been forewarned, the misery containment and even chances of cure could be much enhanced, like women have with breast cancer.

“I agreed with the Gambian Real Estate Entrepreneur Taf Njie while I battled the disease that we should do more to create awareness.

“Nearly 30 years ago, I went to Ibadan to speak and lend a hand to present Ondo First Lady Betty Akeredolu as she raised the breast cancer banner.

“I sometimes came from election campaigns to the Ikeja Centre near the Airport. The Doctors would try to smuggle me out from the back. The well known shielded?”

He said after the 2023 general elections, his family members and doctors in Europe and the US joined forces to ensure he was in their direct care.

“That’s how come it seemed I went quiet because they controlled my phones to reduce stress.

“The more I talked about it, the more I found many of my age in similar circumstances. It almost seems like an epidemic for Nigerian men over 60. Not talking makes them lose the benefit of early detection,” he stated.

[PoliticsNigeria]

France and Mali stopped giving visas to each other’s citizens, as tensions between the two former allies have grown, Le Monde reports.

According to the French daily, the French embassy in the capital of Mali, Bamako, stopped issuing new visas after Paris added Mali to its list of “red zone” nations where its residents are strongly discouraged from travelling. In a travel advisory update, the French foreign ministry said “In the current context of strong regional tensions, all travel to Mali is strongly not advised. French citizens in Mali are urged to show the greatest vigilance.”

In “reciprocity,” the junta in Mali responded by halting the issuance of new visas to French citizens at its embassy in Paris, according to the Malian foreign ministry.

According to the French online visa service provider Capago, the French embassy’s “reorganisation” of services as a result of the higher security classification has rendered it “unable to issue visas until further notice.”

“In a context of strong regional tensions, Mali has been classified as a red zone by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This modification leads to a reorganisation of the services of the French Embassy in Bamako, which will therefore no longer be able to issue visas until further notice. Therefore, we inform you that the visa centre and the Capago call centre are closed,” the statement reads.

Mali’s foreign ministry said that it had learned of the reclassification “with surprise” in a statement posted to social media.

Relations between France and Mali deteriorated following the military’s takeover of Bamako in 2020 and the removal of elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita reportedly due to his failures to quell a brutal insurgency.

In a phased pullout that finished in 2022, France started to withdraw its anti-militant troops as the conflict grew worse and the junta enlisted the help of Russian paramilitaries.

Mali’s junta then imposed a ban on the operations of NGOs funded or supported by France, including aid organisations, as tensions between Paris and Bamako grew. Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, the country’s interim prime minister, defended the action in a statement on social media, claiming it was in retaliation for France’s recent suspension of development assistance for Mali.

Meanwhile, an uptick in regional tensions brought on by a coup on July 26 in Niger, a crucial French ally, has coincided with the bilateral dispute.

French visa issuance has also been banned in Burkina Faso, another former Sahelian ally that had two coups in 2022, according to the Capago website.

In January 2013, after sending troops to combat militants in the nation’s north, France was hailed as a hero in Mali. Nine years later, the insurgency has gotten worse and many Malians are cheering France’s departure.

[Premium Times]

Rhissa Ag Boula, a former rebel leader and politician in Niger, launched a movement called the Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR) on Wednesday to oppose the junta that took power in the country after the July 26 coup. The new movement aims to restore former President Mohamed Bazoum to power. 

CRR marks the first coordinated internal effort to resist the junta’s takeover of Niger. Boula declared that, in addition to their own efforts, CRR will support international actions aimed at restoring Bazoum and his administration to power. This comes as West African heads of states in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that they are considering all options, including the use of force, to restore Bazoum to power. ECOWAS previously on July 30 imposed sanctions on junta leaders and demanded Bazoum be reinstated within a week. Since that time period has now lapsed, the international community is watching for ECOWAS to announce further action.

This past week, reports on Bazoum’s living conditions in detention sparked additional international attention on the junta. Bazoum’s party, the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, told Reuters that the former president and his family were detained under “cruel” and “inhumane” conditions with “no running water, no electricity and no access to fresh goods or doctors,” in violation of Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his concern on Monday and added his support to ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts.

On July 26, military members of Bazoum’s personal guard overthrew the government in a coup. Since then, Army General Abdourahamane Tiani has declared himself President of Niger’s new military government. The country’s newly installed ruling council, called the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, formed out of Bazoum’s presidential guard.

The coup has received widespread international condemnation, with world leaders calling for the return of Bazoum. UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel—the region where Niger is located—Leonardo Santos Simão is also remaining in nearby Abuja, Nigeria to continue good offices support to negotiate a return of power to Bazoum’s administration.

[www.jurist.org]

Technically astute. Fleet-footed. Strong. Rapid. These are just some words that describe England star Lauren James as a soccer player. In England’s 4-2 penalty win over Nigeria in the round-of-16, the starlet displayed her more petulant side though.

Frustrated by how Nigeria had played better than her and her teammates, and were holding them to a nil-all stalemate, which eventually required penalties, James inexplicably lost the plot.

The 21-year stomped on already floored Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie after the pair had tussled for the ball with just a handful of minutes left until extra time.

Initially, she was fortunate enough to be shown a cautionary yellow. However, a video assistant referee (VAR) review saw the decision overturned and the exciting forward was red carded instead. Her teammates were able to stave off the Nigerians — winning via penalties — in spite of their one-player deficit.

Nigeria’s defender Michelle Alozie reacts after being fouled by England’s Lauren James. (Photo: Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

The apologetic starlet has since been handed a two-game ban by Fifa. Her dismissal carried an automatic one-match ban. However, world soccer’s governing body felt that punishment was not enough and added one more game to her suspension.

That means England’s top goal scorer at the tournament to date — with three goals from four games – will miss their crucial quarterfinal contest versus Colombia on Saturday, 12 August. She will also miss a potential semifinal and is only slated to be back for the final. If her country makes it that far.  

In spite of Fifa’s heavy punishment, Alozie shared that she holds no ill feelings towards James for the moment of madness.

“We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments… All respect for Lauren James,” shared Alozie.

The attacker’s absence will be a huge knock to England’s hopes of repeating what they managed at the 2022 European Championship — where they marched all the way to gold, winning the competition for the first time in history.

A year later, in New Zealand and Australia, Sarina Wiegman’s charges are in pursuit of a maiden World Cup gold medal. The best they have managed before was bronze in 2015.

With traditional powerhouses such as the USA and Germany out of the reckoning, the English are in with a great chance to simultaneously hold the titles of European and world champions.     

Against a tricky and tenacious Columbia, the Europeans will definitely miss James. When she is not petulantly stampeding on opponents she is a genuine threat for the World Cup hopefuls.

So influential has she been so far that of the eight goals that her country has managed Down Under, she has been directly involved in six. Her three goals are complemented by three assists — the joint-most as it stands.

With the likes of Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, as well as Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly waiting on the wings, the champions of Europe are not bereft of quality. Nevertheless, none can match James for her creative output.    

“That’s the decision that’s made. Of course, that’s not up to me. It’s two games, that’s a fact for us and we respect that punishment. We take it from here and just hope we get through,” said England coach Wiegman.

Lauren James (centre) of England and Lingwei Yao (left) of China in action during the Women’s World Cup 2023 group D match in Adelaide, Australia on 1 August, 2023. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Matt Turner)

Rising star

Though she has caught people’s attention, for mostly the right reasons at the ongoing World Cup, the 21-year-old has been making waves for years now.

The Londoner, of Grenadian and Dominican descent through her father, and English descent through her mother, is capable of sashaying beyond markers with ease.

She began her career with Chelsea, alongside her older brother and Chelsea captain Reece James. She then departed for a stint with neighbours Arsenal. She was just 16 years old when she debuted for the Gunners in 2017.  

She would leave London to be part of Manchester United’s first women’s team a year later. She spent three years with the Red Devils before she completed a full turn-around and she found herself back at Chelsea once more in 2021.

Since returning, she has firmly established herself as one of Chelsea’s most important players. She helped them win back-to-back league and FA Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. 

At the World Cup, she maintained that form and confidence. Evidenced by her scintillating curled goal as England beat Denmark 1-0 in the group stage.

As her stock continues to rise, she says she wants to carve her own legacy in the game. Speaking before the World Cup began, James said she doesn’t want to be known as just Reece’s sister.

“I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as ‘this is Lauren James.’’’

The incident with Alozie may have dimmed her World Cup shine somewhat. However, if her teammates can carry on hoisting the torch until the final, it will be the perfect platform for her redemption. DM

[dailymaverick]

There is no doubt that the Northern region, especially the people of Fulani ethnic stock share filial, cultural and religious affiliations with the Republic of Niger.

The attempt by some religious and political leaders from the North to make the current political impasse in Republic of Niger a President Tinubu and Nigeria vs Niger affair is a very wrong narrative. Nigeria is not starting a war with Niger. Nigeria as a member of ECOWAS is under obligation to stand by ECOWAS Resolutions on any member state and this is not the first time this will happen. ECOWAS passed similar Resolutions in Gambia not too long ago. That resolution in Gambia made it possible for President Adama Barrow to assume power in 2017.

It must be said again that this is not a Nigeria/Tinubu vs Republic of Niger matter. Like President Alassane Quattara of Ivory Coast said, this is purely an ECOWAS affairs and a subject of regional interest to the whole of West Africa.

ECOWAS, AU, and UN Protocols are against unconstitutional takeover of government in any country. Democracy is receding in West Africa with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea under military usurpation. Peace, security, political and economic stability of West Africa will remain a pipe dream when soldiers can take power at will. And what is happening in Niger is not about a fight for good governance.

Like venerable journalist, Dan Agbese wrote in his Guardian Newspaper backpage column, “most of the nine countries in the Sahel region are not just poor; they are wretched. Military rule has not changed their economic and social circumstances and the attraction for it ought to have waned below remembrance. The sentiment that Military rule is a magic wand has repeatedly proved itself a sickening fiction. The Nigeriens need no one to tell them that khaki uniform carries no magic in political, economic and social management and development.”

If Military rule offers any silver bullet in social and economic transformation, we should have seen the magic in Mali and Burkina Faso in the last 3 years.

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire says he considers those behind the coup in Niger as terrorists.

He said the standby force to be deployed to Niger, agreed on Thursday, was a collective effort of the West African regional bloc, adding that the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to end the military rule in Niger is not Nigeria’s fight alone.

Ouattara spoke on the sidelines of an extraordinary summit by the ECOWAS in Abuja.

According to the Ivorian president, all the heads of state in the regional bloc thought they had exhausted all dialogue efforts with the Niger coupists.

“ECOWAS cannot accept this. This is not a matter of Nigeria against Niger. Not at all,” he said.

“The decision that we have made  — and I hope that it will be implemented immediately — is a decision of ECOWAS.”

“I personally consider this as a terrorist act and we cannot let this continue. We have to act.”

The Ivorian leader said his country’s decision aligned with the ECOWAS, adding that the coup leaders should be in barracks, not in government.

“The decision of Cote d’Ivoire, which has been endorsed by all of the Heads of State and that we have been able to tell these putschists, is that their place is in the barracks,” he added.

[DailyTrust]