Niger’s ruling junta expressed its willingness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving a regional crisis triggered by last month’s military coup. Both Russia and the United States have called for a peaceful solution.
Despite appeals from Western nations and democratic African governments to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26, the military leaders have rejected negotiations and maintained their stance.
In a significant move, military chiefs from West African nations will convene in Ghana on Thursday and Friday to discuss preparations for a potential military intervention. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the main regional bloc, has warned of launching such an intervention if diplomatic efforts fall short.
The prospect of military intervention raises concerns about further destabilization in the already impoverished Sahel region. This area has been grappling with insurgency by factions linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, leading to displacement of millions and exacerbating a hunger crisis over the past decade.
Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, recently appointed as prime minister by the military, emphasized their commitment to dialogue with all parties involved in the transitional process. He underscored the importance of maintaining the country’s independence amidst the ongoing situation.
The international response has seen influential powers stepping in. Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged with Mali’s military leader to discuss the coup, prompting concerns among Western governments about Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel.
US President Joe Biden’s administration remains committed to a diplomatic resolution and views Niger as a vital partner. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh noted that while the situation resembled an attempted coup, she avoided labeling it as such.
ECOWAS enjoys the support of the Central Africa’s regional bloc ECCAS in its efforts to reverse Niger’s coup and restore constitutional order. Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu assured that measures were in place to uphold sanctions and adhere to their guidelines.
The recent wave of coups has shifted the balance of influence in West Africa, with Russian presence strengthening while Western involvement wanes. This trend is evident in Mali and Burkina Faso, where military leaders have distanced themselves from former colonial power France and established closer ties with Moscow.
Under Bazoum’s leadership, Niger remained aligned with Western interests, hosting troops from the U.S., France, Germany, and Italy under agreements with the now-deposed civilian government.
Amid the turmoil, Putin advocated for a return to constitutional order in Niger, while the head of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, extended support to the military takeover and offered his services.
Support for Russia has gained momentum within Niger since the coup, with junta supporters displaying Russian flags at rallies and calling for reduced engagement with France.
Niger’s coup leaders have invalidated several military agreements with France, a move dismissed by Paris on the grounds that they do not recognize the junta as legitimate authorities.
