Title: Nigeriens Prepare for Possible Invasion as Regional Tensions Escalate
Date: [Current Date]
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Nigeriens are bracing themselves for a potential invasion by neighboring countries, three weeks after mutinous soldiers overthrew the nation’s democratically elected president.
In response to a growing threat from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, residents in the capital city of Niamey are calling for the mass recruitment of volunteers to assist the army. ECOWAS has activated a “standby force” to restore order in Niger after the junta failed to meet the deadline to release and reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
To address this concern, a group of locals in Niamey has spearheaded an initiative to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country. The Volunteers for the Defense of Niger aims to provide support in various capacities, including fighting, medical care, and technical and engineering logistics, in case the junta requires assistance. Amsarou Bako, one of the founders, stated that the recruitment drive will commence on Saturday in Niamey and other cities near potential invasion points, such as the borders with Nigeria and Benin, both of which have expressed their willingness to participate in an intervention. The list of registered volunteers will be given to the junta for potential deployment if needed.
Despite signals from both Niger and ECOWAS that they are open to resolving the crisis peacefully, regional tensions continue to deepen. Last week, the junta expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with ECOWAS after rejecting multiple attempts at talks. However, shortly thereafter, the junta charged Bazoum with “high treason” and recalled its ambassador from neighboring Ivory Coast.
ECOWAS defense chiefs are expected to convene this week for the first time since the announcement of the deployment of the “standby” force. The timing and possibility of an invasion remain uncertain, but conflict experts warn that such an intervention, likely involving several thousand troops, could have devastating consequences and potentially trigger a regional war in the already volatile Sahel region.
Niger was considered one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region and a crucial partner for Western nations in combating the escalating jihadi violence associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, and the United States have approximately 2,500 military personnel in the region who provide training to Niger’s military and conduct joint operations, particularly in the case of France.
Since the coup, both France and the U.S. have suspended military operations, leading to an increase in jihadi attacks. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense reported that at least 17 soldiers were killed and nearly two dozen wounded in an ambush by extremists in the Tillaberi region. This attack, the first major one against Niger’s army in six months, is seen as a worrying sign of potential escalation.
Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, highlighted that the ongoing war between the Islamic State group and al-Qaida affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has contributed to the security void caused by the coup, leading to territorial marking by both factions.
As the coup continues, analysts suggest that the longer it persists, the less likely an intervention becomes, as the junta solidifies its grip on power. This scenario may force the international community to accept the status quo.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized on Tuesday that there is still room for diplomacy to restore constitutional rule in Niger. He expressed support for ECOWAS’ dialogue efforts, including its contingency plans. The arrival of the new U.S. ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, at the end of the week is expected to provide a renewed diplomatic presence after nearly two years without an ambassador. However, some experts argue that this absence has limited Washington’s access to key players and information in the Sahel region.
While regional and Western countries grapple with how to respond, many Nigeriens are convinced that an invasion is imminent. The details of Niger’s volunteer force remain vague, but similar initiatives in neighboring countries have yielded mixed results. Volunteer fighters in Burkina Faso, recruited to combat the jihadi insurgency, have faced accusations of committing atrocities against civilians.
Bako, one of the organizers of the Nigerien volunteer group, emphasized that their situation is different. He stated, “The (volunteers in Burkina Faso) are fighting the Burkinabe who took weapons against their own brothers… The difference with us is our people will fight against an intrusion.”
Associated Press reporters Dalatou Mamane in Niamey and Matthew Lee in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report.
How is the suspension of military operations by Western nations following the coup in Niger contributing to the increase in jihadi attacks, and what are the implications of this escalation in violence
D the growing tensions in the region, stating, “The situation in Niger is becoming increasingly volatile, with the potential for a regional conflict looming. The overthrow of the democratically elected president has raised concerns among neighboring countries and ECOWAS, leading to the activation of a standby force to restore order. Citizens in Niamey are now taking matters into their own hands by launching a recruitment drive for volunteers to support the army in case of an invasion. The timing and possibility of such an intervention remain uncertain, but the consequences could be devastating for the already fragile Sahel region.”
This escalation in regional tensions comes as a blow to Niger, which was considered a democratic stronghold in the Sahel region. Western nations, particularly France and the United States, had designated Niger as a crucial ally in the fight against jihadi violence. However, with the suspension of military operations by these nations following the coup, there has been an increase in jihadi attacks. The recent ambush by extremists that resulted in the deaths of several soldiers has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
Experts warn that a regional conflict in the Sahel region could have catastrophic consequences, not only for Niger but also for neighboring countries. The already volatile security situation could worsen, further destabilizing the region and providing an opportunity for jihadi groups to gain a stronger foothold.
As ECOWAS defense chiefs convene to address the deployment of the standby force, the people of Niger prepare themselves for a possible invasion. The formation of the Volunteers for the Defense of Niger demonstrates their determination to protect their country and support the army in defending against any potential threat.
The situation in Niger remains fluid, and the international community closely watches the developments in the region. The hope is for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and an end to the growing tensions. However, with every passing day, the risk of a full-scale conflict increases, underscoring the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to this escalating regional turmoil.
Stay safe and stay strong, my prayers are with you all.
Kwame: Praying for peace and safety for the people of Niger.
Maria: May the situation be resolved peacefully, sending love and support.