Eight RFO and West African Rural CSOs address ECOWAS on the situation in Niger
The sociopolitical landscape of Niger has been raising significant concerns for some time now. In response to this situation, eight major organizations from West Africa have come together to send a solemn letter to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Network of Farmers’ Organizations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA) is one of the signatories of this letter. It is joined by the Association for the Promotion of Livestock in the Sahel and Savanna (APESS) which defends the interests of Sahelian breeders; the Billital Maroobé Network (RBM) focused on pastoral breeding; the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) aiming to represent Nigerian traders; the Confederation of Traditional Stock Breeders Organisations (CORET) committed to the cause of traditional breeders; the Confederation of National Federations of the Livestock and Meat Sector of West Africa (COFENABVI-AO) working for the livestock sector; the West African Association for Cross-border Trade in Agroforestry-pastoral, fisheries, and Food (AOCTAH/WACTAF) and the West African Cereal Producers Network (ROAC) which represents cereal producers.
These entities have outlined in their letter clear concerns regarding the challenges faced by Niger. They have advocated for a peaceful solution, favoring dialogue and diplomacy over military escalation. They strongly believe that it is through dialogue that current issues can be resolved and lasting peace established.
This collective effort of these organizations demonstrates the importance of regional solidarity and inter-organizational cooperation in West Africa. When crises arise, it is through the unification of voices and resources that sustainable solutions can be found.
Fatimata KONE
Communication and Knowledge Management Officer
ROPPA