West African defense chiefs are concluding discussions on potential intervention in Niger, as mediators from the regional bloc urge coup leaders in Niamey to restore constitutional order before a looming deadline.
The military junta in Niger is facing a standoff with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has taken a strong stance against the recent ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. This is the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
In a significant development, the junta revoked several military cooperation agreements with France late on Thursday, following similar moves by juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso after their coups. This move could have significant implications for the joint fight against Islamist insurgency in the region.
France currently has between 1,000 and 1,500 troops in Niger, assisting in the fight against insurgency linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, which has been destabilizing the Sahel region of West Africa.
An ECOWAS delegation is in Niamey seeking a conclusive and amicable resolution to the crisis. However, the bloc has also imposed sweeping sanctions and warned of potential use of force if President Bazoum is not reinstated by Sunday.
Niger’s self-declared leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, has rejected the sanctions and asserted that the junta will not back down in the face of threats. He has garnered support from the juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso, citing persistent insecurity as the main justification for seizing power, despite data showing security improvement in the region.
The defense chiefs’ meeting in Abuja about a possible military response will come to an end shortly, considering it a last resort. The junta has warned of an immediate response to aggression by ECOWAS member-states except those friendly to Niger.
The situation remains tense as the Sunday deadline approaches and the junta continues to resist external pressure and reject interference in Niger’s internal affairs. Sanctions are already taking effect, with Nigeria cutting power supplies to Niger and Nigerien truckers facing difficulties due to border closures.
The focus has shifted from the Sudan war to Niger, and the world waits to see how the situation unfolds
