Niger Coup: ECOWAS vows to hold Russia responsible if Wagner violates human rights

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a strong stance in the aftermath of the Niger coup, asserting that it will hold Russia accountable if the Wagner Group, a prominent private military contractor, perpetrates any violations of human rights. This resolute declaration was made by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, on the 11th of August.

Mali, a fellow West African nation, is currently entwined with the Wagner Group through a distinct arrangement, as outlined by Musah during an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. Shedding light on this intricate scenario, he emphasized that the Malian government has forged an agreement with the Russian Federation that has facilitated the presence of the Wagner Group within Mali’s borders.

Echoing a sentiment of vigilance, Musah underlined that ECOWAS intends to hold nations accountable for any actions carried out by private military contractors that infringe upon human rights or result in destructive consequences within the region. While the diplomatic responsibility primarily falls on Russia, he expounded that the accountability extends beyond their borders, underscoring that the West African region encompasses a larger scope of stakeholders.

Musah elucidated that private military companies have cast their shadow over Africa’s history, noting instances of their involvement in conflicts like Sierra Leone and Liberia. He further illustrated their global presence, mentioning their roles in modern-day conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, often under the banner of countries like the United States.

The ECOWAS Commissioner shed light on the multifaceted engagement of military companies within Niger, which includes not only the Wagner Group but also involves notable players like France and the European Union (EU). He also drew attention to a dynamic where the region has become a theater for the activities of various Middle Eastern nations like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Musah articulated the collective resolve of the West African states, asserting that they are resolutely committed to preventing their region from devolving into an arena of proxy conflicts. He underlined that ECOWAS regards the presence of the Wagner Group as an undesirable option, particularly when it comes to private military companies meddling in conflict-ridden environments within the region.

The reasoning behind this collective stance becomes clearer when Musah highlighted the ramifications of such interventions. These interventions can potentially escalate conflicts and exacerbate tensions, potentially causing long-term destabilization. As the commissioner succinctly put it, the ECOWAS community is steadfast in its determination to prevent the West African region from becoming a battleground for proxy wars, given the multifarious implications they bring.

ECOWAS’ declaration carries weight as it encapsulates a comprehensive approach to an intricate situation. Musah’s words signify not only a commitment to protecting the rights and security of the region’s citizens but also an unwavering determination to uphold stability and avert further complexities that foreign interventions might bring.