KMC, Sere Kunda 14.08.2023— Lerrow Giedy, a progressive Pan-African organization committed to promoting peace, justice, and unity in the Gambia across the continent and the world at large, expresses its deep concern regarding the development of the recent military coup that unfolded in Niger on Wednesday, July 26th.

As an advocate for democratic principles and nonviolent resolutions, Lerrow Giedy calls for immediate steps towards peace and the return of “normalcy “ in Niger. The sequence of events that followed the coup raises critical questions about the motives behind the actions taken by the regional Organizations ECOWAS and certain imperialist forces. After Addourahmane Tchiani declared himself the head of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland on July 28th, ECOWAS announced on Sunday, July 30th, an extension of sanctions and a warning to the military junta to restore constitutional order within a week or face potential military intervention.Disturbingly and understandably, by August 1st, Mali and Burkina Faso pledged their willingness to support Niger in protecting its sovereignty against any foreign military intervention..Lerrow Giedy, acknowledges the complexity of the situation and emphasizes that military intervention should not be the solution as it can exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens who have endured the consequences of poverty and insecurity for far too long. The announcement of ECOWAS ordering the “activation” and the “deployment” of a regional standby force to restore constitutional order on August 10th adds further uncertainty to the situation. Lerrow Giedy recognizes the need to consider the humanitarian implications of their decisions. Lerrow Giedy draws attention to the external interests at play in this crisis, particularly from Western nations. The organization underscores the importance of upholding the sovereignty of African nations, free from external interference and exploitation. The recent displays of military presence and economic interests raise concerns about the true motivations behind these interventions.The organization maintains that military coups are often symptomatic of deeper democratic deficits and calls for addressing the root causes of such crises. Lerrow Giedy highlights the need for ECOWAS to remain consistent in upholding democratic principles across the region, referencing the silence on democratic breaches and the brutal attack on ordinary people, resulting in the loose of lives and properties in Senegal, as an example. Lerrow Giddy will continue to advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and the preservation of democratic processes in Senegal.The situations in Sudan too indeed warrant our continuing attention and solidarity. We continue to call on all warring factions in Sudan to respect the lives and dignity of the people of Sudan and allow a people centered democratic dialog to resolve the crisis peacefully. It’s also concerning that we might witness the exploitation of the crises by Jihadist groups promoting terror and extremism in the region. Creating such an environment will be a big betrayal of African solidarity and the further destabilization of the region and beyond.Pan African unity is indeed important to counteract such forces and address issues related to neo-colonialism and imperialism. Solidarity can help foster cooperation and find effective solutions.Lerrow Giedy strongly condemns any form of imperialist intervention in Niger’s internal affairs and calls for peaceful negotiations as the sole objective in resolving the crisis. The organization demands the immediate reopening of borders to alleviate the impact on ordinary citizens and the restoration of electricity supply from Nigeria. WE demand that all foreign military forces leave the country as per the wishes of the people of Niger.In solidarity with the people of Niger, Lerrow Giedy expresses unwavering support for their resistance against imperialism and all forms of external meddling. The organization calls for the African people to stand together against neo-colonialism and imperialism to pave the way for a just and self-determined future.• END.Lerro Giedy is a progressive Pan-African and socialist organization dedicated to advocating forthe total liberation of Gambia from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, and oppression. With a commitment to creating an alternative society based on socialist principles, Lerrow Giedy seeks to empower the people of the Gambia and uplift their rights and dignity. The organization stands as a vanguard against injustice and envisions a future of equality, justice, and unity. Lerrow Giedy believes that the people of Africa can bring about positive change and liberation from centuries of colonialism and neocolonialism.