Lessons from Niger: Why Democracy Must Prevail Over Military Rule in Africa

I do not subscribe to coups because the military would usually come dangling carrots but would leave the people battered with sadness, blood, and sorrow when they eventually leave.

However, the lesson resonating from the Niger Republic shows that underestimating the might and power of an angry, impoverished, and hungry citizenry shall be the albatross of the next set of leaders in any part of Africa. Let us learn to treat people with love and not make people poor because we want to conquer them for dominance.

If the political class had done well and worked for the people in a selfless manner, the military can never succeed in dethroning a people’s republic and a welfare-oriented government anywhere in the world because the people would prefer their freedom under a democratically elected government. The people would bite the bullet to ensure the good people in politics are preserved. For example, in August 1991, a combination of reasons, particularly the people’s resistance against authoritarianism in the Soviet Union of old led to the failure of the coup against Gorbachev. The people defied tanks and offered themselves to be killed to preserve their government. That is the strength of the masses.

As ECOWAS and the world strongly condemn the coup in Niger, ECOWAS should begin a gradual rebirth and paradigm shifts in the way they govern their people. Besides, soon and very soon, China, Russia, France, and the United States shall tear Africa apart as the new wave of dominance subjection of Africa to the dominance of the advanced nations has started.

Democrats beware! Grace and peace!!!