International

By Aliyu Nuhu

Mal Kwalisa (not his real name) is an acquaintance. He has never travelled outside Nigeria. He was a money changer. One day he made a big kill and came into some big money and decided to visit UAE. He only told me he was travelling to Dubai for two weeks, and off he left via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Three days after, Mal Kwalisa was back with us in Kano. I asked what happened. He was a bit ashamed, but later he blew the lid.

When he arrived in Dubai he booked into a hotel. After hours of rest, he went to one shop and saw a very beautiful Arab woman. He told her he came from Nigeria and he had plenty of money and promptly invited her to his hotel room. She smiled and told him she was married and that in UAE, women don’t visit men in hotels.

Mallam didn’t buy her story. He thought she could be persuaded by the promise of more money. He went back to his hotel and returned after lunch. He made the same offer again, and she smiled and told him to come back after closing hours, by 5 pm.

He went back at the appointed time only to find three askaris (police) waiting for him. They asked what his mission was, and he said he came to see his friend, pointing to the woman. The police asked him her name, and he didn’t know. They took him back to the hotel, packed his bag and drove him to the airport. He was lucky they did not chain him. They put him in the next available plight leaving UAE to Africa, Air Moroc. He landed in Casablanca.

After some hours, he was again put on the next available flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. After a long delay at midnight, he was bundled into a plane going to Lagos.

Our man had to find his way to Abuja by road after becoming Vasco da Gama overnight. He asked what could possibly be his offence.

I told him in UAE, adultery is punishable by death. The woman reported him to the police. He was lucky that she did not trick him and reported him while in his hotel room. And she didn’t mention rape.

By Muhammad Muzdaleefa

The resurgence of military coups is thwarting Africa’s democratic journey. The recent coup d’état in Niger, which saw the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military, has not only shaken the stability of the country but has also laid bare the divisions and weaknesses within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It has also exposed a wide cleavage between citizens of member countries and their governments on ECOWAS policy on Niger. 

As far as one can read the mood without the aid of a proper poll, support for military action against Niger would probably be less than 10 per cent across the region. In Niger, news footage suggests that the public is more solidly against ECOWAS military intervention. Somewhat or otherwise, the mainstream media and social media comments show deep scepticism about ECOWAS’ direction and intentions. Many, if not most, commentators believe that the West, especially France and the US, are behind the ECOWAS drive towards a military solution in Niger.

This has led to resentment, especially in the Francophone countries, where the citizens point out that ECOWAS has been silent at draconian French exploitation of their resources continuing long after independence.

One of the glaring weaknesses exhibited by ECOWAS in response to the Niger coup is its lack of unity and consistency among member states.

While some countries strongly condemned the coup and called for a swift return to civilian rule, others remained relatively silent, seemingly hesitant to take a decisive stance. This lack of a united front weakens the regional body’s influence and diminishes its ability to address such crises effectively.

Another aspect that has been brought to the forefront is ECOWAS’s flawed diplomatic approach. Despite constituting a mediation committee to engage with the coup leaders and negotiate a resolution, ECOWAS failed to halt the coup or achieve a viable solution. The committee’s lack of leverage and the limited consequences the perpetrator’s face have raised questions about the efficacy of diplomatic efforts and the regional body’s influence over military leaders.

ECOWAS has often resorted to imposing economic sanctions to exert pressure and resolve political crises. However, the effectiveness of such measures in addressing coups has been questionable. The reliance on economic sanctions has a limited impact, particularly in countries with weak economies and high poverty levels like Niger. 

The recent example of Mali, where sanctions failed to bring about meaningful change after a military coup, highlights the need a more comprehensive and proactive approach by ECOWAS. The situation has become even grimmer, with Russia increasingly stepping in to provide short-term assistance to cushion the effects of the sanctions against coup countries, which appear to have exchanged the influence of France with that of Russia.

What is worse is the fact that the Niger crisis has also highlighted ECOWAS’s inability to identify and address underlying issues that lead to political instability. This failure to take pre-emptive measures further exposes weaknesses within the organisation. Since ECOWAS gave an ultimatum to Niger, citizens in ECOWAS countries have voiced their disapproval against any military action, mainly because ECOWAS lacks the moral authority to send troops into Niger.

Many commentators have pointed out failure within member countries as a significant contributing factor undermining ECOWAS’s intentions. Some West African governments are dynasties, flawed elections taint others, while some have repressed their countries’ media and opposition parties. 

What principles does an ECOWAS military intervention in Niger seek to establish, and are they all practised in the countries that will impose them by force of arms in Niger? If democracy is essential to ECOWAS, it has to ensure that the complete panoply of democratic principles is firmly in place in all member countries. It cannot pick and choose. Therefore, to safeguard democracy, ECOWAS should invest more proactively in conflict prevention mechanisms, addressing socio-economic disparities, and promoting good governance across member states. 

Timely intervention in electoral processes, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting dialogue are crucial steps towards avoiding crises before they occur. In addition, ECOWAS must develop a robust apparatus to communicate with citizens across the entire subcontinent and carry out programmes that promote dialogue between citizens and between citizens and governments. 

Does public opposition to military action signal a higher tolerance for military coups in West Africa? That is a difficult question, but there is no doubt that people have generally become disenchanted with the Western democratic model, given that poverty and lack of opportunity continue to be entrenched. At the same time, politicians are seen as opportunists who are in it for themselves. However, none of this can be interpreted to mean that people in West Africa prefer military regimes.

Significantly, however, the coup in Niger has exposed the leadership vacuum within ECOWAS. While the organisation has made progress in promoting regional integration and economic development, its political leadership role has been less pronounced. ECOWAS needs robust leadership capable of decisive action in times of crisis, backed by a clear framework and mechanisms that discourage power grabs and protect democratic systems.

The coup in Niger has exposed the weaknesses, divisions, and inconsistencies within ECOWAS. The regional body’s lack of unity, ineffective diplomacy, reliance on economic sanctions, inadequate pre-emptive measures, and leadership vacuum have hindered its ability to respond effectively to political instability. The regional body’s response to the coup has showcased its challenges in effectively addressing political crises, highlighting the need for a more cohesive and proactive approach to preserving democracy in the region.

To strengthen ECOWAS and protect democracy in the region, there is an urgent need for member states to forge a unified front, strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms, explore diplomatic alternatives, and foster strong leadership committed to preserving democratic values. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the fragile democratic gains achieved in West Africa may remain at risk, allowing further regional divisions and challenges to promote peace and stability.

Muzdaleefa wrote from Kaduna via mohammedadamu736@gmail.com.

By Aisar Fagge

There were growing anger and threat between the Niger Republic and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since the military coup in July that ousted the democratically elected government of Muhammed Bazoum. The ECOWAS, under the chairmanship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanded that the military junta should handover power Bazoum or else face its wrath.

Several media reports indicated that all attempts by the ECOWAS to peacefully restore power to Bazoum had failed, a development that exacerbated the already worse situation. On Saturday, the leaders of the Islamic groups from Nigeria met with the coupists in Niger. In this interview, Professor Salish Shehu, one of the Ulamas, detailed The Daily Reality about the purpose of their visit, how fruitful it was and what they have achieved.

TDR: Prof., can you please detail The Daily Reality about the purpose of your visit to the Niger coupists?

Prof. Salisu Shehu: The purpose of our visit to Niger is very clear. The purpose is for reopening, so to say, the windows of dialogue on AMFAS between ECOWAS, on one hand, and the military junta in Niger. There is an apparent breakdown of communication since the refusal by the junta to receive the former head of state, General Abdussalam Abubakar and his eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto. You know people generally across the two countries are becoming increasingly anxious and are becoming increasingly afraid that violence may breakdown – there is palpable fear, actually. A collection of some Ulama felt that we need to meet the president of Nigeria and discuss this matter with him. And, when we met him, we emphasised the fact that dialogue should be the only thing and dialogue should prevail in this matter and he accepted. We asked him that he should give the chance to the Ulama to play their own role, to contribute to ensuring that dialogue prevails and to ensuring that the crisis is resolved amicably through peaceful means. And, therefore, it was for the purpose of contributing to the promotion of dialogue, contributing towards broadening consultations and engagement, that was actually the reason why we went to Niger and to meet the new military administrators in Niger with the view to engendering a sort of reconciliation process between the two purpose.

TDR: Sir, you said the visit was constituted by the group of some Ulama. Can you please tell us about the members of your entourage?

Prof. Salisu Shehu: The entourage constituted of scholars from different Islamic groups and Islamic sects. That why you can see that all the Islamic groups and organisations were represented in the composition. Beginning from the group of scholars that met with the president, foremost was Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by his eldest son, Ustaz Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau of the Izala group, Sheikh Qarbibullah, the leader of Qadiriyya in the whole of Africa; and then there academics like us and other da’awa wokers, like Professor Mansur Malumfashi, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Imam Abdurrahman Ahmad; the Chief of Ansaruddin, Sheikh Jalo Jalingo, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Yakubu Musa among others. These were also some few government officials that accompanied us.

Sheikh Bala Lau was the one that led us to Niger and he was the leader of team and he was the one that introduced us to the  military leaders. We met the military leaders together with the scholars of the same kind of categories we went in Nigeria. So all the the leaders of the groups – the Tijjaniyya, the Qadiriyya, the Izala groups, we all met in Niger. It was such a successful paternal visit.

TDR: Sir, what have you discussed and was your visit any meaningful?

Prof. Salisu Shehu: I can only tell you about the general discussion we had. But, it is not possible to broadcast the nitty-gritty details of our discussion, especially some of the very very specific issues we discussed with them. But, what we actually generally discussed was about the fact that we came as a group of scholars from Nigeria, having been permitted and approved to come by the president. Therefore, we were in Niger with the consent of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS, that we could come and discuss with them as a demonstration of acceptance of dialogue and reopening of communication between them. So we emphasised the need for dialogue. We drew their attention to the fact that as long as we don’t reopen the door of dialogue, the animosity will keep increasing. And, hence, it is not going to be good for us. So, we made it very clear to him that we went there in order to avert violence, to avert military intervention and to promote peaceful and amicable resolution to the problem, actually. And, we also emphasised the need for the give and and take in the matter. That it will do no good for both of them and the entire West African sub-regions, that if both of them were not ready to give something and take something, if both of them maintain extremist positions, then it is not going to be good. And, they actually accepted. They were already told to make some concessions on the matters.

TDR: What have you have achieved in your meeting with the coupists?

Prof. Salisu Shehu: The most important achievement in this regard is the fact that that option of dialogue have so much sufficiently be promoted. And it is hopeful that this our visit has led the foundation for peaceful engagement between the two. So, I think this is an achievement. Another tremendous achievement is the fact that across the two countries, the palpable fear, that was so preponderant, has been allied and the people’s hope regarding the fact they will continue to live in peace, they will continue to leave as brothers and sisters, they will continue to live as neighbours, that spirit has really been rekindled even if it was about to die. People have so much been at rest and at ease now because of this visit. People have become more assured that there won’t be violence. And, I believe this is the most important achievement as far as this visit is concerned. Like I said, there is no reason actually to keep on avoiding meeting and discussion. So, we have to intervene in this way. And because we are not supposed to give specific details, there is no any discussion about the terms of agreement we had with them.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

According to the Arewa Economic Forum (AED), the weekly financial loss brought on by the closing of the Nigerian border with Niger is 13 billion naira. 

In a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, the forum bemoaned the over 2000 trucks of perishable commodities that Northern Nigerian merchants have stranded as a result of the closure that followed the coup in the Niger Republic. 

Ibrahim Shehu Dandakata, the forum’s chairman, spoke to journalists about the decisions that have been made thus far and their economic ramifications. 

According to 2022 statistics, formal trade between the two countries accounts for $234 million (N171 billion), while informal trade is roughly estimated to be at $683 million (N515 billion), mostly in perishable commodities. 

“With the closure of the border, the average weekly loss is about N13bn in value of trade.” Mr. Dandakata also noted that: “The Nigerien population is about 25m. About 70% of the people live in towns with proximity to Nigeria. 

“Nigeriens depend on Nigeria for most of the essential commodities they consume. Nigerian businesses also rely on transit points for importation from Niger Republic.” 

In light of the humanitarian crisis it would bring about for both Nigeria and the Niger Republic, he asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other subregional leaders to refrain from using the military option. 

The AEF chairman also suggested that all ECOWAS sanctions be directed at the conspirators of the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of the Niger Republic and said that the penalties shouldn’t be used to harm law-abiding Nigeriens. 

He specifically urged President Tinubu to act quickly to address the restricted borders, which are endangering the livelihoods of many northerners. 

“Since the closure is on major borders between Niger and Nigeria i.e Jibia in Katsina, Illela in Sokoto and Maigatari in Jigawa, we strongly recommend the immediate reopening of Maje/Illo border station in Kebbi state which Nigerian traders use to access Benin Republic and Niger Republic,” he noted.

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of the Niger Junta, has consented to look into diplomatic dialogue to break the country’s political deadlock.
 
Tchiani addressed the Nigerian intervention team comprising Nigerian Islamic scholars, which was led by Bala Lau, the national leader of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah.
 
In a statement signed by Lau on Sunday, he told Tchiani that “the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to embrace dialogue instead of war to resolve the crisis.”
 
Responding, Tchiani said, “Their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.”
 
Tchiani voiced concern about the Economic Community of West African States’ ultimatums being given without the junta’s point of view being heard.
 
According to the Prime Minister of the Niger Republic, Ali Zeine, it was learned that Tchiani was prepared for a conversation and expressed the hope that the discussions with ECOWAS would happen soon.
 
Zeine noted, ‘’We have agreed and the leader of our country has given the green light for dialogue. They will now go back and inform the Nigerian President what they have heard from us. We hope in the coming days, they (ECOWAS) will come here to meet us to discuss how the sanctions imposed against us will be lifted.”
 
West African leaders ratcheted up their criticism of the coup leaders in Niger on Thursday, ordering the deployment of a regional standby army to reestablish democracy there.
 
Since late last month, when the presidential guard overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup d’état, the Niger Republic has been mired in political upheaval.
 
Days later, ECOWAS responded by imposing sanctions and giving the military junta in power one week to disband or risk military intervention.
 
On Sunday, August 6, that deadline passed without causing the political climate to change. The leaders of ECOWAS have stated that they will only send soldiers in a last-ditch effort to resolve the problem diplomatically.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proved his prowess on the field by securing the coveted Golden Boot in the Arab Club Champion Cup. 

The iconic athlete, often hailed as the Greatest of All Time, emerged as the top scorer of the tournament, netting an impressive total of six goals across six matches. 

Ronaldo’s performance throughout the championship has left fans in awe, as he showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability and unrivalled dedication. 

The Arab Club Champion Cup, known for bringing together some of the finest clubs from the Arab world, provided the perfect stage for Ronaldo to exhibit his talents.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The former president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and his son, who are being imprisoned by the leaders of the country’s coup, are reportedly living in abhorrent conditions.

This is according to the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah.

Musah’s remarks, which were aired on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, were in response to claims that the Nigerien putschists had threatened to kill Bazoum in the event that the Economic Community of West African States intervened militarily.

He said, “We are going there, if need be, to rescue President Bazoum who is living in very terrible conditions today. He is being denied medical attention, he’s being denied even access to his usual food.

“His son, who is also in detention, has lost so many kilos already. They are being held in these inhumane conditions and we cannot just sit back idle and depend on the goodwill of these people who are disrupting the democratic process in the country.

“Yesterday’s communique also made it very clear that this junta will pay dearly if anything happens to the safety, security, or the physical integrity of Bazoum, his family, or members of his government. That was clearly done.

“We are not going to hold back because they are holding the president hostage. If they dare, if they should harm in any way, then they are going to pay very dearly for that. So, this is a tactic.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu

One of Burkina Faso’s popular radio stations has been suspended by the junta-run administration for airing an interview that was deemed “insulting” to the new military rulers in Niger.

Thursday saw an instant suspension of Radio Omega “until further notice,” according to a statement from Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.

The action, according to him, was “in the higher interests of the nation.”

After the statement was released late on Thursday, the station, which is a part of the Omega media group and is owned by journalist and former foreign minister Alpha Barry, stopped transmitting.

The channel aired an interview with Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, the spokesperson for a recently formed Nigerien organisation pushing for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Recall that on July 26, the Presidential Guard deposed the nation’s elected president.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In a recent announcement, the British Council informed test takers about an upcoming fee increase for its IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examinations.  

Effective September 1, 2023, the new pricing structure aims to maintain the high-quality standards of testing experiences. 

Under the revised pricing, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests will be priced at NGN 107,500, while the cost for UK visa and Immigration-related tests will be NGN 116,000. Additionally, the Life Skills test will see a price adjustment to NGN 104,000. 

The British Council emphasised that the decision to raise prices is essential to upholding the exceptional quality that test takers have come to expect from their IELTS assessments. 

Despite the increase, the council remains committed to providing accurate evaluations of English language proficiency to individuals pursuing academic, professional, or immigration-related goals. 

In a concise statement, the British Council expressed gratitude to all those who have chosen their services for language assessment. 

Test takers and individuals planning to take the IELTS tests after September 1, 2023, are advised to take note of the updated pricing structure to ensure accurate financial planning for their assessment endeavours.    

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Niger coupists have named former Economy Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as the country’s new prime minister, nearly two weeks after they took power.

Zeine appointment was announced late Monday night by the military junta spokesman on television.

It was gathered that Zeine was the former Minister of Economy and Finance for several years in the cabinet of then-president Mamadou Tandja.

Our reporters gathered that Tundja had led the country from 1999 after its return to civilian and was ousted in 2010.

This is coming a few days after an ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States to the coup plotters to reinstate Bazoum has expired.

However, the Daily Reality learned that the prime ministers of the ECOWAS member states will now meet in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Thursday to discuss how to proceed.

Many Nigerians, especially the Northerners, are not in support of the ECOWAS measures that could possibly include force, as the ultimatum threatened.