ABUJA: West Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stated on Wednesday that a military intervention in coup-ruled Niger would be considered only as a “last resort.” The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on the country’s coup leaders after a recent coup shook the fragile nation, prompting France to evacuate its citizens.
ECOWAS leaders had imposed trade and financial sanctions on Niger and gave the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president. If not complied with, the bloc warned of potential use of force. However, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized that the military option was the last on the table, and negotiations were the preferred course of action.
A delegation from ECOWAS, led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, was sent to Niger to engage in negotiations with the coup leaders. Nigeria, as the current chair of ECOWAS, has taken a firm stance against coups that have plagued the region since 2020, primarily due to the jihadist insurgency.
Nigeria Cuts Electricity Supply to Niger
In response to the sanctions, Nigeria, West Africa’s military and economic superpower, has cut off electricity supplies to Niger. Niger relies on its neighbor for 70 percent of its power, making the supply cut a significant move to exert pressure.
Meanwhile, other countries in the region, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, have warned that any military intervention in Niger would be viewed as a “declaration of war” against them, further complicating the situation.
The coup in Niger resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been celebrated for overseeing the country’s first-ever peaceful transition of power in 2021. He was detained by members of his own guard, and General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself the leader. The international community has condemned Tiani’s claim, and France has evacuated its citizens amid hostile anti-French demonstrations.
Niger’s role in combating the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel has made it a strategic ally for France and Western nations. The ongoing insurgency has led to instability and violence across the region, with civilians, troops, and police bearing the brunt of the attacks. The economic impact has been severe, contributing to army takeovers and humanitarian crises.
