The Escalating Tensions Between Niger’s Military Regime and ECOWAS

Tensions Rise as Niger’s Military Regime Clashes with West African 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 around 25 million, was seen as a crucial partner for Western nations in combating a 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 also demanded the immediate release of Bazoum. However, an African Union meeting scheduled for Saturday to discuss the situation in Niger was postponed.

France’s foreign ministry announced its support for “all conclusions adopted” after the summit on Thursday night. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appreciated “the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis” and emphasized that the junta would be held accountable for Bazoum’s safety and security. However, Blinken 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, shown little willingness to engage in dialogue, and have refused to release the president. During a visit to the country this week, representatives of the junta informed U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland about the threat to Bazoum’s life, according to a Western military official. The threat to kill Bazoum is a grave concern, according to Alexander Thurston, an assistant professor

What role does the standby force led by Nigeria play in restoring democracy and ensuring the safety of President Bazoum in Niger

E in Niger, and their support has been instrumental in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.

The current crisis in Niger began on February 21, when the military staged a coup, overthrowing President Mahamadou Issoufou and detaining him. The junta, led by Colonel Oumarou Namata Gazama, claimed that the coup was necessary to save the country from corruption and mismanagement.

Since then, the military regime has faced widespread condemnation from the international community and calls for a return to civilian rule. ECOWAS, a regional bloc consisting of 15 West African countries, has been at the forefront of efforts to restore democracy in Niger.

While the exact details of the standoff between the military junta and ECOWAS are still unclear, tensions have escalated in recent days. The junta’s threat to kill President Bazoum if neighboring countries intervene militarily has raised concerns about the regime’s willingness to use violence to maintain power.

ECOWAS has described the situation in Niger as a “grave breach” and warned that it will not tolerate any threats against its member states. The regional bloc has emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and has called on the junta to release President Bazoum and other political detainees.

The deployment of a standby force by ECOWAS is seen as a significant step towards restoring democracy in Niger. The force, which is expected to be led by Nigeria, will likely face significant challenges in its mission to restore constitutional order and ensure the safety of President Bazoum.

The international community, including France and the United States, must continue to support ECOWAS in its efforts to resolve the crisis in Niger peacefully. The stability of the country and the wider Sahel region is at stake, as the jihadi insurgency continues to pose a significant threat to regional security.

As tensions rise and the standoff between the military junta and ECOWAS intensifies, it is crucial that all parties prioritize dialogue and compromise. The people of Niger deserve a government that respects their democratic rights and works towards a more prosperous and stable future.