The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has warned that employing force to address self-determination issues in Africa poses challenges to democratic principles, particularly when it fails to safeguard citizens or uphold the rule of law.
It would be recalled that in his remarks at the second Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit on Niger coup, the Chairman of the regional body and Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, said no option is off the table; including the use of force as the last resort.
BDFCG in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, expressed concern that the recent election victory of Tinubu, who chairs the regional body, was marred by controversies and instances of violence, adding that force and violence seem to align with his principles.
The group advised that in making decisions regarding the use of force, democratic principles such as the protection of human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and accountability should serve as guiding factors.
“The use of force should be proportionate, necessary, and subject to review and oversight by relevant institutions and authorities.”
BDFCG reiterated that if the people of Niger welcomed the coup, it must be given a chance in order to avoid unnecessary, excessive or indiscriminate actions.
“The legitimacy of the use of force is derived from the consent of the governed and the existence of checks and balances to prevent its abuse. In the case of Niger today where the governed evidently are the ones consenting to removal of their elected government officials by the country’s military, it will be very unnecessary for President Tinubu-led ECOWAS to begin to imagine adopting use of force, by all means, as one of their plots to reinstall a revolted government.”
It regretted that the Biafra community in Nigeria, along with other indigenous African ethnic groups, find themselves as victims of an unfortunate policy and approach when it comes to addressing self-determination matters, adding that despite ongoing struggles, the Igbos have continued to face the very challenges that fuel calls for change.
Expressing conviction that Africa’s persisting issues are rooted in the legacies left behind by the colonial powers, BDFCG called for unity among Africans in opposing policies that undermine their welfare, especially those enacted by individuals who serve as pawns for former colonial powers that have continued to exploit Africa’s resources to enrich Europe and America.
Read the full statement below:
Niger Coup: BDFCG on ECOWAS Second Summit.
https://bhradvocates.com/post.php?post=122
The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, made a comment during the second summit on Niger coup held in Abuja on Thursday, August 10, 2023, stating that no option is off the table including the use of force as their last resort. It is worth noting that this is the same individual whose recent election victory was marred by controversies and instances of violence. Force and violence seem to align with his principles.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) would like to emphasize to African leaders that employing force to address self-determination issues in Africa has historically posed challenges to democratic principles, particularly when it fails to safeguard citizens or uphold the rule of law. In making decisions regarding the use of force, democratic principles such as the protection of human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and accountability should serve as guiding factors. The use of force should be proportionate, necessary, and subject to review and oversight by relevant institutions and authorities. Therefore, we make bold to reiterate that if the people of Niger welcomed the coup, then it must be given a chance in order to avoid unnecessary, excessive or indiscriminate actions.
The legitimacy of the use of force is derived from the consent of the governed and the existence of checks and balances to prevent its abuse. In the case of Niger today where the governed evidently are the ones consenting to removal of their elected government officials by the country’s military, it will be very unnecessary for President Tinubu-led ECOWAS to begin to imagine adopting use of force, by all means, as one of their plots to reinstall a revolted government.
Regrettably, the Biafra community in Nigeria, along with other indigenous African ethnic groups, find themselves as victims of an unfortunate policy and approach when it comes to addressing self-determination matters. Despite our ongoing struggles, we continue to face the very challenges that fuel our calls for change. We firmly believe that Africa’s persisting issues are rooted in the legacies left behind by the colonial powers.
Colonialism, which spanned several centuries, had a profound impact on Africa, including the imposition of exploitative economic systems, the disruption of traditional governance structures, and the extraction of resources for the benefit of colonial powers. These legacies have contributed to challenges faced by African nations in achieving political stability, economic development, and good governance.
It is, however, the position of Biafra De Facto Customary Government that African People be allowed to take decisive action against corruption. African People must unite in opposing policies that undermine the welfare of the populace, enacted by individuals who serve as pawns for former colonial powers that continue to exploit Africa’s resources to enrich Europe and America. These same powers often return with veiled threats of utilizing force to maintain stability. Genuine and concerted efforts must be made to bolster democratic institutions, foster transparency and accountability, and foster fair and inclusive economic growth.
Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +1917 3465419
Email – biafradefactogov@gmail.com
Joseph Albert, Awka writes for BVI Channel 1 online