Thousands of supporters of the recent coup in Niger gathered on Sunday for a rally in the capital city of Niamey. The rally was held to show support for the generals who have claimed power and to defy the deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) for the military to relinquish control or face possible armed intervention.
Ecowas, chaired by regional military powerhouse Nigeria, had given the troops that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26th a week to return him to power. However, the coup supporters showed no sign of willingness to cede power and instead gathered at the Seyni Kountche stadium, draped in Russian flags and carrying portraits of the leaders of the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
The Ecowas military chiefs of staff had already agreed on a plan for a possible intervention to respond to the crisis, which is the latest in a series of coups to hit Africa’s Sahel region since 2020. Ecowas commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah stated that they wanted diplomacy to work but warned that all the elements for an eventual intervention had been worked out, including how and when force would be deployed. Niger’s military leaders have stated that they will meet force with force.
In the Boukoki neighborhood of Niamey, residents were defiant at the prospect of an armed intervention by Ecowas. They expressed their determination to fight for the revolution and stated that they had been waiting for this coup for a long time.
Algeria, an economic and military power in the region and Niger’s neighbor, has warned against a military solution. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that they categorically refuse any military intervention, as it would be a direct threat to Algeria due to the shared border with Niger.
Former colonial power France, with which Niger’s new rulers have broken military ties, stated that it would firmly back whatever course of action Ecowas took after the deadline expired. France has already evacuated hundreds of its citizens from Niger since the coup.
Niger has played a key role in western strategies to combat jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region, with France and the United States stationing troops in the country. Anti-French sentiment in the region is on the rise, while Russian activity, often through the Wagner mercenary group, has grown. Moscow has warned against armed intervention from outside Niger.
Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, heavily relies on foreign aid that could be pulled if Bazoum is not reinstated as head of state, according to warnings from Paris. Bazoum, who won an election in 2021, has been held by the coup leaders with his family in his official residence since July 26th.
The situation in Niger has already led to Nigeria cutting off electricity supplies to its neighbor, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation. Additionally, Niamey has closed the country’s borders, complicating food deliveries.
Senior Nigerian politicians have urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the threatened military intervention. The situation in Niger remains tense as the deadline set by Ecowas approaches.
What is the significance of the rally at the Seyni Kountche stadium in Niamey and what does it indicate about the level of support for the current regime
Intervention. They expressed their support for the coup leaders and their disapproval of Ecowas’ ultimatum. The residents believed that the military generals should be given a chance to govern and bring stability to Niger.
The rally at the Seyni Kountche stadium was a display of solidarity and defiance. Thousands of supporters, donning Russian flags and carrying portraits of the CNSP leaders, gathered to show their unwavering support for the current regime. They made it clear that they had no intention of relinquishing power, even in the face of possible armed intervention.
Ecowas, led by Nigeria, had given the coup leaders a week to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power. However, the deadline passed without any action from the military. This prompted the Ecowas military chiefs of staff to finalize a plan for intervention. While Ecowas expressed a preference for diplomatic resolution, all the necessary preparations for an eventual intervention, including the deployment of force, had been made.
In response to the threat of intervention, Niger’s military leaders remained defiant. They made it clear that they were prepared to meet force with force, signaling their unwillingness to back down.
Meanwhile, in the Boukoki neighborhood of Niamey, residents voiced their opposition to the idea of armed intervention. They believed that the coup leaders should be given the opportunity to govern and bring stability to the country. The residents expressed their support for the current regime and their hope that it would lead to a better future for Niger.
The rally in Niamey is a clear indication that the coup leaders have a significant number of supporters. The situation in Niger remains tense, with the possibility of armed intervention looming. The coming days will be crucial in determining the country’s future, as Ecowas and the coup leaders stand at odds over control of power.
Let’s hope for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability in Niger.