NIAMEY: Tensions between Niger’s new military regime and the West African regional bloc are intensifying as preparations are underway for the deployment of troops to restore democracy in the country. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Thursday that it has directed a “standby force” to reinstate constitutional order in Niger after its ultimatum for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired.
Amid these developments, two Western officials informed The Associated Press that Niger’s junta had conveyed a grave message to a top US diplomat, indicating that they would resort to harming President Bazoum if neighboring countries intervened militarily to restore his leadership.
The specifics of the force’s deployment timeline, location, and contributing nations from the 15-member ECOWAS bloc remain unclear. Experts in conflict resolution suggest that the force could comprise approximately 5,000 troops, led by Nigeria, and could potentially be ready for deployment within the coming weeks.
Following the ECOWAS meeting, Alassane Ouattara, the President of neighboring Ivory Coast, announced that his country would participate in the military operation alongside Nigeria and Benin. Ouattara emphasized their commitment to restore Bazoum to his rightful position, with the objective of ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Anti-France Sentiments in Niger
Niger, a nation of approximately 25 million people, holds strategic significance in Western efforts to combat insurgency that has afflicted the region. The presence of over 2,500 military personnel from France and the United States, along with substantial financial support, underscored the international efforts to strengthen Niger’s military capabilities.
The junta, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, responsible for orchestrating the coup, has capitalized on anti-French sentiment within the population to garner support. However, citizens in Niger’s capital, Niamey, expressed reservations about ECOWAS’ intervention, asserting that it’s their internal matter and that the coup was a response to Bazoum’s disregard for the people’s wishes.
While France’s foreign ministry and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for ECOWAS’ determination to resolve the crisis peacefully, the specifics of whether the US supports troop deployment were not explicitly mentioned.
The coup-installed junta has solidified its hold on power, resisting dialogue and refusing to release President Bazoum. Reports indicate that representatives of the junta conveyed the threat to Bazoum’s life during a visit by US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland this week.
