West Africa’s governments have recently taken a significant step towards resolving the political crisis in Niger by activating standby troops for a possible intervention. The junta that took power in Niger last month is facing increasing pressure to reverse their coup and restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement on Thursday, emphasizing its preference for a peaceful restoration of democracy in Niger but also making it clear that the use of force is not off the table.
Niger, a country rich in uranium, has been in turmoil since the military government seized power. ECOWAS had set a deadline for the military government to restore President Bazoum by last Sunday, and failure to do so could result in a military intervention from the regional bloc. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu spoke after hosting a meeting of ECOWAS heads of state in Abuja, stating, “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.” He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of stability and democracy in Niger.
The specific details of the intervention force, including its size and participating member states, have not been disclosed by ECOWAS. However, it is worth noting that suspended ECOWAS members Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that any military intervention against Niger would be seen as a declaration of war against them. Concerns have also been raised about the potential escalation of conflict in the region. Franklin Nyamsi, President of the African Freedom Institute, warned that ECOWAS’s intervention could trigger “a world African war” if it attempts to remove Niger’s military government by force, as he highlighted the potential consequences of such action.
Several ECOWAS members, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, have demanded the restoration of Niger’s former government, expressing their condemnation of the coup and the detention of President Bazoum under house arrest. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara called the detention a “terrorist act” and urged the junta to release Bazoum so that he can exercise his mandate.
Despite ECOWAS’s demands, the military government in Niger has defied them and vowed to defend the country against any foreign attack. In a bid to safeguard its position, the junta has reportedly sought assistance from the Russian defense contractor Wagner Group PMC, which has previously operated in other African countries. In response, ECOWAS closed Niger’s airspace until further notice after the expiration of their Sunday deadline.
As the regional bloc prepares for a potential military intervention in Niger, attention is turning to the consequences and potential outcomes of such a move. The situation remains tense, with possible ramifications for the wider region. The activation of standby troops by ECOWAS signals a clear determination to resolve the political crisis in Niger, but the path to a peaceful restoration of democracy still remains uncertain. The resolution of the current crisis will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the stability and future direction of Niger and the wider West African region.
Source link
