NIAMEY, Niger: West African defence chiefs on Friday wrapped up discussions regarding potential intervention in Niger, as regional mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) urged coup leaders in the country to restore constitutional order before an approaching deadline.
The situation in Niger has escalated into a standoff between the military junta and ECOWAS, with the latter adopting its toughest stance yet following the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum, marking the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
In a significant blow to hopes of restoring the previous status quo, the junta revoked several military cooperation agreements with France late on Thursday, which had been instrumental in the fight against Islamist insurgencies in the region. As of now, there has been no immediate response from France regarding this development. The revocation mirrors similar actions taken by juntas in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso after their respective coups, potentially reshaping the joint fight against Islamist insurgencies in West Africa’s Sahel region.
With between 1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger, France’s military presence has played a crucial role in assisting the country’s efforts to combat insurgency groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The insurgency has caused significant instability in the Sahel region.
As the ECOWAS delegation arrived in Niamey, they sought to secure a “conclusive and amicable resolution” to the ongoing crisis. However, the bloc has also imposed far-reaching sanctions and warned that it could authorize the use of force if President Bazoum is not reinstated by the approaching Sunday deadline.
Niger’s self-declared leader rejects sanctions
Niger’s self-declared leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, has firmly rejected the imposed sanctions and asserted that the junta will not back down in the face of any threats from ECOWAS. Tiani has garnered the support of the juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso, citing persistent insecurity as the main justification for seizing power. However, data of attacks in the region actually shows a trend of improving security conditions.
The defence chiefs of the region held a multi-day meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to explore potential military responses, which they have emphasized would only be considered as a last resort. The junta, in response, issued a statement warning that any aggression or attempted aggression by ECOWAS would be met with an immediate counterattack on any ECOWAS member-state, except those friendly to Niger.
The situation in Niger remains tense and complex, with ECOWAS striving to find a peaceful resolution to reinstate constitutional order and resolve the crisis. The revocation of military cooperation agreements with France further complicates the regional security landscape and could have significant implications for the joint fight against the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel. As the Sunday deadline looms, the international community closely watches developments in Niger, hoping for a peaceful and stable outcome.
