Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in NigerNiger, a landlocked country in West Africa, is facing a political crisis after a military coup overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

 The coup leaders, who call themselves the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and the Rule of Law (CNRDL), have detained Bazoum and his family under house arrest and suspended the constitution. They have also warned that they will defend the country against any foreign attack.The coup has sparked international condemnation and concern, especially from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), which has been mediating between the junta and the opposition parties. 

ECOWAS has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Bazoum and the restoration of constitutional order, but the junta has refused to comply. ECOWAS has also imposed sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes on the coup leaders and their associates.On August 10, 2023, ECOWAS held an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss the situation in Niger and possible military intervention. 

The summit was attended by 15 heads of state and government, including Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara, who is also the current chairperson of ECOWAS. After the meeting, Ouattara announced that ECOWAS had decided to activate a standby force for possible deployment in Niger as soon as possible. He said that ECOWAS had intervened in other African countries in the past to restore democracy and that it could not accept the coup in Niger. He also said that Ivory Coast would provide a battalion of 850 to 1,100 soldiers to the force, and that Nigeria and Benin would also contribute troops.

The decision to prepare for a possible military intervention in Niger has raised tensions in the region and provoked mixed reactions from different stakeholders. The junta has denounced the ECOWAS move as an act of aggression and interference in Niger's internal affairs. It has also said that it is ready to face any foreign invasion and that it has the support of the majority of the Nigerien people.

 The opposition parties in Niger have also expressed their reservations about the ECOWAS plan, saying that they prefer a peaceful dialogue and a political transition. They have called for an inclusive national conference to discuss the future of the country and to prepare for new elections.On the other hand, some regional and international actors have welcomed and supported the ECOWAS initiative, saying that it is necessary to uphold democracy and human rights in Niger. 

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu said that the use of force would be a last resort, but that ECOWAS could not stand by and watch Niger descend into chaos. He said that if ECOWAS did not act, no one else would do it for them. The United States, France, Germany and Italy, which have military bases in Niger as part of their counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region, have also expressed their solidarity with ECOWAS and urged the junta to respect its demands. 

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was concerned about the reportedly deplorable living conditions of Bazoum and his family and that he would hold the junta accountable for their safety.The situation in Niger remains volatile and uncertain, as both sides seem to be digging in their heels and preparing for a possible confrontation. 
The fate of Bazoum and his government hangs in the balance, as does the future of democracy and stability in Niger and the region. The next few days and weeks will be crucial for determining whether a peaceful solution can be found or whether a violent conflict will erupt.

Source: 

(3) International Politics of the 2023 Coup d’État in Niger Republic: Consequences of a Weakened ECOWAS. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/08/13/international-politics-of-the-2023-coup-detat-in-niger-republic-consequences-of-a-weakened-ecowas.
(4) Niger 'coup' thwarted days before inauguration - BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56589168.
(5) 2021 Nigerien coup d'état attempt - Wikipedia. https://bing.com/search?q=Niger+coup+2021.
(7) Tensions Rise as West African Nations Prepare to Send Troops to Niger. https://www.voanews.com/a/tensions-rise-as-west-african-nations-prepare-to-send-troops-to-niger-/7222341.html.
(8) West African bloc plans for possible Niger military intervention. https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idsA$5?now=true.
(9) Niger coup: Ecowas to deploy standby force - BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66465146.


FAQ's

What is coup in Niger?

Yet another African country is in the news for a military coup. This time, it's the West African country of Niger. On July 29th, General Tchiani declared himself the leader of Niger after instigating a military coup against the president, Mohammed Bazoum.

Why did the Niger coup happen?

Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for those who carried out the coup, read out a printed statement justifying their actions as a response to “the deteriorating security situation and bad social and economic governance.” Niger faces several Islamist insurgencies in its southern region, and people across the country have ...

What caused the coup in Niger?

The current coup plotters have blamed rising insecurity and a lack of economic growth. They stated that the intervention was necessary to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country.

Who is the leader of the Niger coup?

Niger's coup leader General Tchiani: The ex-UN peacekeeper who seized power. Once involved in peacekeeping efforts in war-hit countries, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has now triggered a major crisis in West Africa by staging a coup in Niger.

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