In a dramatic turn of events, Niamey's airport witnessed a gathering of eager supporters on a Monday afternoon, all awaiting the arrival of Kemi Seba, the renowned Franco-Beninese activist known for his unyielding criticism of France's colonial legacy in West Africa.
Seba, at the helm of the Urgence Pan Africanist movement, has embarked on a mission to address rallies in support of Niger's military authorities. Seba's presence is electrifying, and his message is crystal clear: "It is imperative for the Nigerien population to understand that while France may appear to be on the brink of departure, it is merely a strategic maneuver to buy time.
The people of Niger have unequivocally demanded the swift exit of the French army, but Macron, driven by colonial arrogance, sets his own timeline for when the colonizers should pack up and leave," passionately declared Seba, who serves as the President of the NGO Urgences Pan Africanists. Remarkably, Seba's visit coincided with an unexpected announcement from Paris—a pledge to withdraw its military forces and envoy from Niger before year-end, a surprising reversal from their earlier commitment to maintain their ambassador in the Sahel country.
But the activist's fiery rhetoric did not stop there; he also directed his scrutiny towards the regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), which has been dangling the possibility of a military intervention in Niger. Seba did not mince his words: "The ECOWAS leaders seem hell-bent on threatening Niger and even contemplate a military attack—an act tantamount to a crime against humanity. They intend to impose harsh sanctions on the people of Niger.
It is incumbent upon us to stand together in the face of this ongoing war—a war not fought with guns and bombs but through economic strangulation. We must unite and resist. That's precisely why we are here—to remind you that Niger stands resilient and is not alone," he emphasized.The presence of approximately 1,500 French troops in Niger has been a contentious issue for years. Their impending withdrawal, announced by Paris, signifies a shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa, according to experts, raising questions about France's growing isolation in the region.
Kemi Seba's arrival in Niger, against this backdrop, has sparked a whirlwind of debate, offering a glimpse into the complexities of post-colonial relationships, political maneuvering, and the resilience of nations striving for independence and self-determination. As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on Niger, a nation at the crossroads of history, grappling with the legacy of its colonial past while charting a bold course towards its future.