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written in Published in policy.
The alarming increase and insecurity of basic necessities constitute one of the hottest issues today and a matter of great concern to the citizens of Niger. In the markets, in the offices, in the shops, wherever you are, the high cost of ordinary food is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. In fact, since the coup on July 26, 2023 against the usurpation of power by Bazoum Mohammed, the ECOWAS and WAEMU member States, manipulated by France, have imposed an unjust, unfair and illegal embargo on Niger, which has had a dangerous impact on the prices of food in Niger. Unfortunately, most of the goods consumed by Nigeriens come from abroad, from neighboring countries or at least from countries in the sub-region, some of which are largely hostile to Niger. Therefore, the closure of borders, especially to Nigeria and Benin, forcing supply trucks to take long detours, resulting in greater fuel consumption and more toll payments, among other things, means that these products are now becoming unavailable or difficult to access for most Nigerien families. The situation is becoming more critical day by day. Now rice, millet, corn, oil, sugar are all sold at the skin… A bag of rice that sold for 11,500 less than two years ago is now sold for 18,500 when it is put on the market. A piece that was priced at 17,500 is sold for 22,000.
Today, a liter of oil costs a minimum of 1,000 Fahrenheit, while it sells for 700. At one point, it even reached a record high of 1,500 Fahrenheit, and a kilo sold for 500. Maize and millet went from 700 to 1,250. Despite this, the Nigeriens have shown enough resilience and perseverance, and they are beginning to get tired of waiting in vain for rescue measures, which are still necessary and completely legal in this case. . In some countries in the same situation as Niger, these support measures have not been delayed. In Niger, none. At least, so far. However, from the first hours of the coup, the Nigeriens have strongly supported the CNSP. They mobilized and turned themselves into human shields against the attacks and wars threatened by France and its followers ECOWAS and WAEMU.After the CNSP condemned the Lion Defense Agreement, they stood guard day and night, braving danger and all kinds of bad weather, in Escadrille and other places in Niamey and other parts of the country, demanding the departure of the imperialist forces that are illegally installed in our country. Today, given the seriousness of the situation, people call on the State to do something for its brave sons and daughters who have made so many sacrifices. They deserve it and are waiting for a reward. Several measures could be taken, including state subsidies for food so that it is easier to access and Nigeriens can contribute more to the patriotic struggle. Or it could be considered to reduce certain taxes that seriously affect the prices of these foods, as well as the price of a cubic meter of water and a kilowatt. In terms of fuel, a downward correction of the price of a liter at the pump, which was previously a strong social demand, would be one of the best decisions of the CNSP, as it is highly patriotic. Niger is currently a fuel producer and a reduction in the price of fuel would have a positive impact on all Nigerien families and would reduce transportation prices, food prices and the cost of transporting people, and it might even boost agricultural production. One might ask, are some of these measures not utopian? This is a perfectly reasonable question, since we know that Niger is under embargo and that certain countries, which rely on neighbouring countries such as Benin with their claws, want to strangle the country economically at all costs. However, it is certainly possible. Because today’s Niger is not the Niger of yesterday. Today, the daily oil production capacity has increased to 100,000 barrels per day from 20,000 barrels per day a few months ago. So the country’s room for manoeuvre is enormous. Especially if the members of the CNSP, the government and all those who benefit from the fiat of office finally agree to make sacrifices, as they do every day, and give up some advantages. This is a highly patriotic act and the people will fully commend their leaders for their efforts. Meanwhile, the baskets of housewives wither. Nigerians continue their patriotic resistance regardless of the consequences. But until when?
Peso (The Courier)
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