Niamey Residents Divided over Potential ECOWAS Military Intervention

AT Niamey, or Niger, emotions are shared. The inhabitants say they are determined or worried, on the eve of a possible intervention of West African forces against the ruling junta. But many of them are against a military operation with potentially devastating consequences.

The capital is a stronghold of opponents of the fallen regime of President Mohammad Bazoumalways held hostage by soldiers. And in the dusty alleys of the Boukoki district, the prospect of an intervention by the forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is greeted with defiance. “We are going to fight for this revolution, we are not going to back down from the enemy, we are determined”, insists Adama Oumarou, resident of the district. “This blow, we have been waiting for it for a long time. When it arrived for us, it was a sigh of relief! she assures.

A determination widely shared in these alleys lined with stalls where the jerks of sewing machines resound.

A victory that is beyond doubt

“If ECOWAS intervenes, it will make the situation even worse. But the people are ready and the population will support the new leaders, because we want change,” says Jackou, a textile trader, sitting inside a shop with faded walls.

The putsch is experienced as a release for many small traders struggling with a gloomy economic situation in a country classified among […] Read more