The European Union has taken decisive action in response to the military coup in Niger, suspending its financial support and cooperation on security with the country. The coup leaders, declaring General Abdourahamane Tiani as the new head of state and ousting President Mohamed Bazoum, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.
President Bazoum’s unconditional release from detention and the restoration of democratic order in Niger have been called for by the EU, the United States, and other nations. In a statement, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced the immediate cessation of budget support and an indefinite suspension of cooperation actions in the domain of security.
“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.
Niger, a significant recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in addressing irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa, now faces the consequences of the coup. The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger for a military training mission.
Justifying the coup, General Abdourahamane Tiani, like military rulers in Mali and Burkina Faso, cited the government’s failure to contain the Islamist insurgency. This rationale has sparked mixed reactions in the capital, Niamey.
Some, like resident Ousmane Kansey, emphasize the need for vigilance, fearing that the fight against terrorism could grant the coup leaders lasting power. On the other hand, Ibrahim Hamidou, another passerby, sees the takeover as a response to bad governance and insecurity, partly attributing these issues to the presence of foreign forces.
Jihadist militants have been a longstanding concern in West Africa’s Sahel region, and Niger has fared better than Mali and Burkina Faso in holding them off. However, violence has worsened in these neighboring countries since their respective military takeovers.
Interestingly, the juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso have been turning towards Russia as a strategic ally, distancing themselves from traditional partners like France. This shift has contributed to a growing wave of resentment towards France’s influence in the Sahel region.
Supporters of the coup took to the streets in Niamey on Friday, with Russian flags seen among them. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary boss, has welcomed the takeover, seeing it as an uprising against colonizers. He has even offered his fighters’ services to bring order to the situation.
Amidst the unfolding events, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has emphasized the importance of restoring constitutional order.
While foreign countries have not yet announced any intervention plans, General Tiani has issued a warning against any attempts to extract President Bazoum, as he believes it would lead to “the massacre of the Niger population and chaos.”
In the face of the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for an emergency summit to discuss the situation. The regional bloc faces challenges in convincing military rulers to relinquish power after recent coups in member states.
Restoring democracy in Niger is a crucial task, but it requires a carefully crafted approach. The involvement of international organizations, diplomatic efforts, and pressure from regional and global partners will be essential in finding a peaceful resolution and ensuring the return to democratic governance.
While the United Nations continues its aid delivery in Niger, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and its implications on the country’s stability and governance.
The restoration of democracy in Niger will undoubtedly be a complex process, requiring strong regional and international collaboration, adherence to democratic principles, and the careful consideration of the country’s unique challenges.
Can the military withstand the pressures from Western countries without caving in?
