Niamey – The Union Action Unit (UAS) of Niger demonstrated its support for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) with a march and meeting held on the morning of Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the “resistance” square in Niamey. This event marked a significant show of solidarity from various worker groups in Niger.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Seydou Abdou, the march saw participation from workers of various alliances and trade unions such as ATN, CTN, ITN CDTN, USTN, and UDTN. Beginning around 8 am from the Moov-Niger roundabout, the procession concluded at the “resistance” square, a site notable for the presence of French troops.
In his address, Abdou recalled the military coup by the CNSP that overthrew the institutions of the 7th Republic. He highlighted the subsequent national and international repercussions, including the sanctions imposed by UEMOA and ECOWAS, and the suspension of international development aid. Abdou also raised concerns about potential aggression on Nigerien territory by ECOWAS’s standby force and French occupation forces.
He further referenced the historical demand for democratization and more rights for the working class by Nigerien workers under the Union of Workers’ Unions of Niger (USTN) during the May Day holiday in 1990. Abdou emphasized the UAS’s commitment to preserving the nation’s honor and sovereignty and acknowledged various societal fronts for their efforts since the coup d’état, including the departure of the French ambassador and military forces.
The UAS-Niger paid tribute to traditional and customary leaders and religious denominations for their support of the Defense and Security Forces. The organization also extended congratulations to youth and women’s organizations for their mobilization in defense of the homeland.
Abdou conveyed a strong message to “enemies and traitors of the nation,” asserting the irreversible progress of Niger alongside Burkina Faso and Mali within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The UAS-Niger urged the CNSP, the Transitional Government of Niger, and the AES to issue an ultimatum to ECOWAS and UEMOA for the removal of sanctions. If not adhered to, they demand a complete withdrawal from these community institutions.
The UAS-Niger called for the development of military cooperation within the AES and the establishment of a single currency. They also advocated for increased vigilance from all social actors, civil society organizations, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), and the Nigerien population, commending the FDS for their efforts in combating terrorism and aiding the return of displaced populations.
The unions highlighted the need to address the declining purchasing power of workers, attributing it to the economic liberalism and sanctions imposed by UEMOA and ECOWAS, under the influence of French imperialism.