Defence chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are set to gather in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, for a two-day meeting starting Wednesday, to address the recent coup in Niger. ECOWAS leaders had previously imposed sanctions on Niger and issued a warning of possible military action, demanding the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently held captive by the putschists.
The junta in Niger has responded with a warning that it will resist any aggression from regional or Western powers. The situation has prompted hundreds of coup supporters to protest outside the French embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
During the Sunday summit in Nigeria, ECOWAS expressed “zero tolerance” for coups and declared it would take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order if its demands were not met within a week, including the potential use of force. Military chiefs are set to convene immediately to plan for an intervention.
The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel emphasized the importance of Niger’s role in fighting terrorism and expressed concerns about potential repercussions if the country’s stability is compromised.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad has traveled to Niamey to urge the junta to step down, but it remains uncertain whether he will hold talks with the new ruler, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. The West African leaders have imposed a no-fly zone over Niger for all commercial flights, closed all land borders with the country, and applied financial sanctions against the junta.
The coup has raised concerns that Niger could shift its alliances towards Russia, following in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali after their respective coups. Some of the protesters outside the French embassy in Niamey reportedly chanted slogans in support of Russia while expressing anti-French sentiments.
France, being a former colonial power, has expressed its concern and warned that it will respond firmly to any attacks on its interests in Niger. The situation in Niger remains highly tense and could have significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
