Bénin’s les démocrates party calls for dialogue amidst Niger crisis

The unfolding political crisis in Niger, coupled with the looming threat of military intervention from the Communauté économique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) targeting the Nigerien junta leaders, has become a significant concern for Bénin’s opposition party, Les Démocrates. In a press release issued on Saturday, August 5, 2023, Eric Houndété, the president of the Béninese opposition party, stated that the military coup in Niger has thrust this neighboring nation into “a challenging predicament, simultaneously attracting ill-intentioned opportunists accustomed to exploiting such crises.”

Les Démocrates articulated their firm stance, declaring that the party “denounces any seizure of power through force, regardless of its manifestation, and laments the recurrence and spread of coups d’état across West Africa.” The leader of the Béninese opposition further elaborated that “these incidents predominantly arise within political and socio-economic landscapes characterized by injustice, deprivations of freedom, the exploitation of citizens, the monopolization of shared resources by an elite, systematic oppression of the populace, the usurpation of institutions, hindrance to the expression of popular will, exclusion, and the manipulation of constitutions and electoral processes.”

Despite these prevailing conditions, Les Démocrates put forward a proposal for CEDEAO member states to prioritize diplomacy and, critically, dialogue as the primary method for conflict resolution, reflecting the diverse values and cultures within the region. The party also advocated for proactive prevention, urging a vigorous and honest fight against constitutional coups, poor governance, and exclusion throughout the CEDEAO zone. The party, led by Deputy Eric Houndété, also raised pertinent questions regarding “the legal basis for declaring war on a member state of our economic community” and “the mechanisms through which the Government intends to seek parliamentary authorization to commit our children, our siblings, our compatriots to a declared war against a neighboring state.”

Consequently, the party expressed concern, questioning “who will finance the war effort.” Eric Houndété emphasized that instead of encouraging heads of state to “embark on the perilous, hazardous, and imprudent path of force,” his party implores the Béninese government to “champion the cause of dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.” He asserted that this approach serves as “a guarantee of peace for the sister Republic of Niger and ensures the preservation of common interests for our two peoples and our two states.” Therefore, “Les Démocrates party reiterates its proposition/request for national political dialogue, recognizing it as an essential catalyst for fostering peace and development within our own nation.”