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WACSOF Says No to Military Intervention In Niger, Calls On ECOWAS For A Peaceful Resolution, Better Governance
Joel Ajayi
The West African Civil Society Forum (FOSCAO) is closely following the political crisis in NIGER, following the military coup on July 26, 2023, which led to the overthrow of the elected President Mohammed Bazoum. During the extraordinary meeting of heads of state on July 29, 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS, without prior dialogue known by the public, immediately issued a series of sanctions against NIGER, including the threat of military intervention.
In a statement issued on Monday by WACSOF Secretary General Komlan Messie called for Peaceful Resolution, Better Governance for the citizenry.
According to the statement, WACSOF condemns any military, constitutional, or electoral coup d’Etat.
Article 58 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty has provisions for regional security and that ECOWAS has had a conflict prevention framework (CPCC, ECPF) since 2008 and Article 13 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty created the ECOWAS parliament composed of deputies from all ECOWAS countries
ECOWAS Member States are required to comply with international and regional legal instruments, including the “ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance” and the “African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance (ACDEG)”.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission appointed, on January 21, 2023, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas as High Representative for Silencing the Guns.
“The United Nations (UN), of which all ECOWAS states are members, provides tools and mechanisms for conflict resolution. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 of the Charter of the United Nations have provisions respectively on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes; action in the event of threat to the peace, breach of the peace, and acts of aggression; and Regional Agreements. Reaffirming its deepest concerns at the too many unresolved problems plaguing the region and negatively affecting the lives of citizens:
Inequitable exploitation of natural resources that are not locally processed and that do not benefit citizens, as well as terrorist extremism and the consequences of climate change without forgetting the questionable conditions of children and women. Inhuman and racist treatment of citizens, women and children, so-called migrants, in several Mediterranean countries.
“Generalized Corruption issues including those at land borders, preventing the free movement of people and goods and services and regional integration.
“The repetition of military, constitutional and electoral coups, a situation symptomatic of a deep malaise, resulting from a crisis of governance, endemic corruption, restriction of civic and political space, an instrumentalization of justice in the States to block political adversaries, or to imprison journalists and citizens with different opinions from the powers, with political prisoners and political exiles and extreme politicization of the national armies, as well as public administrations which should remain neutral and republican.”
The statement added that: WACSOF Calls upon ECOWAS and all stakeholders to respect the existing legal instruments and conflicts prevention frameworks and to favor peaceful resolution methods such as good offices, mediation, conciliation, and facilitation based on dialogue, negotiation, and arbitration;
“Says NO to any military intervention in NIGER and calls on ECOWAS to favor a peaceful solution between the citizens of NIGER. In this country already faced with terrorist insecurity, any military intervention would precipitate it into indescribable chaos, with the risk of the proliferation of weapons and the risk of collapse of coastal countries, not to mention the risk of creating a ‘’second LYBIA’’ and exposing the entire region to another form of colonization by external forces which are just waiting for this opportunity. WACSOF recalls the wisdom that says: “We know when a war begins and we don’t know when it ends”.
“Calls on ECOWAS to concentrate its military resources on the fight against terrorists throughout the community space
“Calls for targeted sanctions that do not aggravate the already precarious situation of citizens
“Launches a strong appeal to ECOWAS and Heads of State to work for an immediate, inclusive, and lasting improvement of democratic governance, the fight against corruption, the protection of human rights, better opening of civic and political space in member states, in order to contribute more effectively to the co-construction of a true ECOWAS of the Peoples, as expressed in its Vision 2050.
“Free, inclusive and transparent elections (consensual electoral laws and voter’s lists) with the independence of justice (without instrumentalization of justice in the service of powers and avoiding elections without opposition)
“Opening of civic space (freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of press and expression), and release of political prisoners and return of political exiles.
“Active inclusion of its Parliament, civil society, religious and traditional leaders in the construction and implementation of solutions
“Calls on ECOWAS to finalize the “review process of the 2001 additional protocol on democracy and good governance”, as decided by the extraordinary summit of heads of state, on September 16th, 2021 in Accra, Ghana.
“Calls on the African Union (AU) to really put into practice the ‘’theme of silencing the guns’’
“Calls on ECOWAS and AU and the heads of states, for the acceleration of inclusive and sustainable economic and social development, better control and local processing of raw materials and natural resources in the region for the benefit of citizens as well as the mobilization of ECOWAS with more dynamism, for the settlement of structural problems in the region that have a very negative impact on the lives of citizens
“Remains seized of the situation in NIGER and invites all civil society organizations to contribute actively to dialogue, peace, and social cohesion.
“Affirms its full readiness to contribute, alongside ECOWAS, the people of NIGER, and all stakeholders, to a return to constitutional order, peace, economic development, and social cohesion.”
Featured
Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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