- ECOWAS Sets Military Action Plan Deadline for Niger Junta
- Mixed Reactions and Uncertainty Ahead of Junta’s Deadline
- International Players and Regional Dynamics in Niger’s Political Crisis
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Friday that its defense ministers had drafted a military action plan if the junta, which has stated that it will not bow to external pressure, does not comply by Sunday.
A deadline has arrived for the Niger coup leaders to step down and reinstate the country’s elected president.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Friday that its defense ministers had drafted a military action plan if the junta, which has stated that it will not bow to external pressure, does not comply by Sunday.
Following a call from leaders to be on the lookout for foreign intervention and spies, supporters of the coup joined security forces in the streets of Niamey, the capital of Niger, to stand guard and search vehicles for weapons hours before the deadline.
“I’m here to support the military,” said one of the patrolling residents, Ibrahim Nudirio.
“We oppose [the regional bloc].” We shall fight to the end. I oppose France’s activities against us. We ended colonisation.”
However, as the deadline approached on Sunday, the city remained tranquil, with wedding celebrations continuing throughout the city and sporadic displays of support for the junta, such as a picket line of approximately 100 individuals near an airbase.
“I am unconcerned because I am aware that any military intervention by ECOWAS in Niger would be detrimental to the organization. “It is not in the interest of its leaders,” said Hadjo Hadjia, a 59-year-old housekeeper.
Sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have resulted in power outages and soaring food prices, but it is unclear what the bloc will do next in the face of prominent pleas to pursue more peaceful means.
The senate of neighbouring Nigeria encouraged its president, the current ECOWAS chair, to examine other options on Saturday, despite the bloc’s potential to intervene militarily when member nations reach accord.
Algeria and Chad, both non-members with robust militaries in the region, have stated their opposition to the use of force, while Mali and Burkina Faso, both run by juntas, have stated that any military intervention would constitute a “declaration of war” against them as well.
Since the 26 July coup, the bloc has taken a firm posture and given the junta led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani one week to release and reinstate the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
Mr. Bazoum was elected in the country’s first democratic, peaceful transition of power since its independence from France in 1960.
He has stated that he is a “hostage” and that a successful coup would have “devastating consequences for our nation, our region, and the entire world.”
The United States, China, Europe, and Russia have a strategic interest in uranium- and oil-rich Niger, which plays a pivotal role in the conflict against Islamist rebels in the Sahel region.
While severing security ties with France, the junta has sought out the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has forces in Mali and the Central African Republic, for assistance.
Wagner commander Yevgeny Prigozhin stated last week that his forces were ready to restore order in Niger, while Russia reiterated its call for a return to constitutional rule on Friday.
France announced Saturday it will topple the coup but did not specify military aid for ECOWAS. Mr. Bazoum’s prime minister, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, stated that the ousted regime still believed that a last-minute agreement was possible.
