Tensions Rise in Niger as Military Regime Clashes with Regional Bloc
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — The situation in Niger is becoming increasingly tense as the country’s new military regime clashes with the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger’s struggling democracy.
ECOWAS announced on Thursday that it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. However, hours earlier, two Western officials revealed that Niger’s junta had threatened to kill Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.
The details of when and where the force will deploy, as well as which countries from the 15-member bloc will contribute to it, remain unclear. Conflict experts suggest that the force could consist of approximately 5,000 troops led by Nigeria and could be ready within weeks.
Following the ECOWAS meeting, Ivory Coast’s president, Alassane Ouattara, announced that his country would participate in the military operation, along with Nigeria and Benin. Ouattara stated on state television, “Ivory Coast will provide a battalion and has made all the financial arrangements… We are determined to install Bazoum in his position. Our objective is peace and stability in the sub-region.”
Niger, an impoverished country with a population of approximately 25 million, was seen as a crucial partner for Western nations in combating the jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that has ravaged the region. France and the United States have a significant military presence in Niger, with over 2,500 personnel, and have invested substantial funds in supporting the country’s military.
The junta responsible for leading the coup, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has capitalized on anti-French sentiment among the population to bolster its support. Many Nigeriens in the capital, Niamey, believe that ECOWAS is out of touch with the reality on the ground and should not intervene. “It is our business, not theirs. They don’t even know the reason why the coup happened in Niger,” said Achirou Harouna Albassi, a resident who believes that Bazoum was not abiding by the will of the people.
The African Union expressed strong support for ECOWAS’ decision and called on the junta to “urgently halt the escalation with the regional organization.” The African Union is expected to convene on Saturday to discuss the situation in Niger. France’s foreign ministry also voiced support for the conclusions adopted by ECOWAS, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appreciated ECOWAS’ determination to explore peaceful resolutions but did not specify whether the U.S. supported the deployment of troops.
The mutinous soldiers who ousted Bazoum more than two weeks ago have entrenched themselves in power, refused to release the president, and appear closed to dialogue. During a visit to the country this week, U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland was informed by representatives of the junta about the threat to Bazoum’s life, according to a Western military official. The threat has raised concerns among experts, with Alexander Thurston, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati, stating, “The threat to kill Bazoum is grim.” He added that violence against Bazoum would evoke some of the worst coups of the past.
Human Rights Watch reported that Bazoum, in a conversation with
In what ways does the involvement of ECOWAS and the deployment of a regional military force demonstrate the international community’s commitment to restoring democracy and stability in Niger
Multaneously provided military assistance and training to Niger’s armed forces.
The tensions between Niger’s military regime and ECOWAS stem from the military coup that took place in the country on February 21, 2022, which resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. The military justified its takeover by claiming that the government’s response to the security threats posed by the jihadi insurgency was inadequate.
ECOWAS, however, condemned the coup and demanded the immediate restoration of civilian rule. The regional bloc imposed economic sanctions on Niger, including closing borders and suspending financial transactions. The bloc also set a deadline for the military regime to reinstate President Bazoum, which expired on Thursday.
The threat made by Niger’s junta to kill Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention has escalated the already tense situation. It has further strained the relationship between the military regime and ECOWAS, which has condemned the threat and called for the immediate release of Bazoum.
The deployment of the ECOWAS standby force aims to restore constitutional order and democracy in Niger. The specifics of the force, including the countries contributing to it and its deployment timeline, are yet to be determined.
Ivory Coast has already pledged its participation in the military operation, along with Nigeria and Benin. The involvement of these countries demonstrates their commitment to reinstating Bazoum and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The international community has a vested interest in Niger’s stability due to its strategic position in combating the jihadi insurgency. Western nations, such as France and the United States, have been providing military assistance and training to Niger’s armed forces to counter the threat of terrorist organizations like al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
As tensions continue to rise in Niger, the situation remains precarious. The involvement of ECOWAS and the deployment of a regional military force reflect the determination to restore democracy and stability in the country. The actions of Niger’s military regime, including the threat against President Bazoum, have further isolated it from the international community and may result in more severe consequences if the conflict escalates.
