We are opposed to any military intervention in Niger – Catholic bishops

The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference is concerned about the Economic Community of West African States' (Ecowas) plan to deploy troops to Niger as a last resort to restore constitutional order.

Although the West African bloc has stated that the use of force will be a last resort, many have criticized the inclusion of such a possibility in the first place.

The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have issued contradictory statements regarding the decision.

At its Thursday, August 10 meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the Authority of Heads of State and Government instructed the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff of member states to mobilize a standby force.

As it asserts the military regime is not cooperating, the subregional body does not rule out this possibility.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 24, the Conference stated that a military intervention by Ecowas "should not even be considered."

"It should be noted that Mali and Burkina Faso have already sent warplanes to Niger in response to a potential ECOWAS military intervention," it said.

Burkina Faso has also threatened to leave ECOWAS if the bloc intervenes militarily in Niger.

"In accordance with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 14:27), we, as a Conference, are opposed to any military intervention against the coup makers in Niger, as this will exacerbate the already precarious situation in that country, where civilians such as women, children, the elderly, the weak, and the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt of the chaotic situation."

The Conference encouraged Ecowas to approach the crisis with diplomacy.

"This will necessitate additional meetings with the coup leaders to deliberate a concrete course of action for the situation.

"The Conference is confident that this approach will allow all parties and mediators to swiftly develop durable solutions to the situation in Niger."

Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), of which the Conference is a member, has already urged Ecowas leaders to exercise restraint in resolving the Niger crisis.

The Conference also advises the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to "refrain from the use of force" and urges other leaders to do the same.