Nigerian activist, Reno Omokri, has expressed concerns over the war threat by the military in Mali and Burkina Faso.
Recall that the junta-led governments of Burkina Faso and Mali issued a warning that any military effort to restore Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be viewed as a “declaration of war against their two countries.”
The warning followed West African leaders, backed by Western partners, threatening the use of “force” to reinstate Bazoum, the democratically elected leader. In addition, they imposed financial sanctions on the coup leaders.
Both Burkina Faso and Mali denounced these moves, insisting that they refuse to apply the “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger”.
Reacting to the development, Omokri in a post via his Twitter page, said there is no need for Nigeria to risk war by allowing the military to invade Niger.
Giving reasons for his stance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said the Gross Domestic (GDP) Product of the Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso combined are nowhere close to Lagos State GDP.
According to Reno, Niger is a landlocked country that imports 25% of its food and should be allowed to face hunger.
He added the Niger Republic would be forced to restore democracy when they experience mass starvation; hence Nigeria should not risk her $500b GDP on the three countries.
He wrote: “Please fact-check me. Niger Republic’s GDP is below $25 billion. Mali and Burkina Faso both have GDPs below $30 billion, respectively. The combined GDPs of these three countries are not up to the GDP of Lagos State alone. Nigeria should not risk her $500 billion GDP on these countries. No need to risk war by militarily invading Niger.
“It is a landlocked country that imports 25% of its food. Just blockade them and let General Hunger fight them. By the time mass starvation sets in, nobody will tell them before they restore democracy. No long story. Defeat the putschists by attacking their stomach, not by attacking their borders! Yes, ordinary Nigeriennes will suffer. It is an unfortunate collateral damage. Still, it is better than sending Nigerian soldiers there to die. You have to break eggs to make an omelette”
