Adnan Adams Mohammed
One of the most recognized and authoritative Muslims grouping in Ghana, Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG) has waded into the Niger governance crisis and ECOWAS proposed solution.
The Muslims group has said it is aware that, in a follow up reaction, ECOWAS Leaders are contemplating to explore a military intervention to restore constitutional regime in the country.
However, in their view as Muslims, the mode of intervention chosen by ECOWAS is a misplaced option, as it would have more catastrophic consequences in the sub-region than anticipated.
The Group believes that, using religious leadership intervention to negotiate for the restoration of democracy in Niger remains the best option.
“We are aware that, Nigerian Muslim Clerics are exploring that window and it will not be out of place for ECOWAS to consider same”, COMOG in press statement issued last week Friday stated.
“It is our hope that, the government of Ghana will also heed to this suggestion.”
Below is the full statement:
COMOG DECRIES THE USE OF MILITARY INTERVENTION BY ECOWAS TO RESOLVE THE NIGERIEN CRISIS
The Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana(COMOG) has taken cognisance of the unrest in Niger as a result of a Coup d’etat. We are also aware that, in a follow up reaction, ECOWAS Leaders are contemplating to explore a military intervention to restore constitutional regime in the country.
In our view as Muslims, the mode of intervention chosen by ECOWAS is a misplaced option, as it would have more catastrophic consequences in the sub-region than anticipated.
We further believe that, using religious leadership intervention to negotiate for the restoration of democracy in Niger remains the best option. We are aware that, Nigerian Muslim Clerics are exploring that window and it will not be out of place for ECOWAS to consider same. It is our hope that, the government of Ghana will also heed to this suggestion.
It is obvious how religion has played a role in resolving issues of conflict of national proportion in Africa. To corroborate our position, it is important to appreciate how His Royal Eminence, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former Emir of Kano who is also a Muslim cleric of international repute was allowed a smooth passage into Niger in a bid to persuade the junta to back down on their perceived extreme position.
As Ghanaians, we are further concerned about the budget that is likely to burden the nation if troops are committed to this exercise, especially at a time when our economic indices are not in the best of shapes.
Furthermore, the levels of unemployment among the youth with it’s security implocations must be of concern to the government at this material time This is because, a military intervention can easily create accessibility to sophisticated weapons by the youth in the sub-region.
Finally, we wish to reiterate our view on the need for a better option in resolving the impasse in Niger other than a military intervention. Thank you.
……..Signed…….
Hajj Abdel Manan Abdel Rahman
COMOG President
Contact: 0244470505
