Republic of Niger on Monday, stands on the brink as it awaits a response from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the failure of coup leaders in Niamey to meet the imposed deadline for the reinstatement of the deposed president.
This defiance has raised concerns of potential military intervention, a path ECOWAS has warned it might authorize.
Amid the intensifying situation, ECOWAS is expected to release a statement outlining its next course of action in response to the junta’s refusal to yield to external pressure, which had demanded the restoration of power to the ousted president by Sunday, following the power seizure on July 26.
ECOWAS’ stern stance against the seventh coup witnessed in Western Africa within three years highlights its commitment to regional stability and adherence to democratic norms.
Notably, Niger’s strategic significance, including its uranium and oil resources, its role in counterterrorism efforts against Islamist militants, and its global relevance to nations like the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia, underscores the urgency of the situation.
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However escalation in the standoff with ECOWAS would further destabilise one of the world’s poorest regions, which is in the grip of a hunger crisis and battling an insurgency that has killed thousands and forced millions to flee.
Niger Shuts Air Space, Places Troops On Standby
Niger’s coup leaders have closed the country’s airspace until further notice.
This is as they rejected an ultimatum from West African states to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum or risk military intervention.
According to Aljazeera news, an estimated 30,000 coup supporters last night gathered at a stadium in Niger’s capital, Niamey, to cheer on the generals who seized power.
It quoted Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the now-ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), as citing the threat of military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the airspace closure.
In a statement read out on national television, Abdramane said there had been a pre-deployment of forces in two Central African countries in preparation for intervention, but did not give details.
“In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday… for all aircraft until further notice.
“Niger’s armed forces and all our defence and security forces, backed by the unfailing support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory,” the statement said.
Italy, US, Others Withdraw International Supports from Niger
On Sunday, Italy said it had reduced its troop numbers in Niger to make room in its military base for Italian civilians who may need protection if security deteriorates.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an interview published on Monday that ECOWAS should extend its deadline for the reinstatement of Bazoum.
“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of ECOWAS, which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani told La Stampa newspaper.
“It is right that he (Bazoum) should be freed, but we cannot do it. The United States are very cautious about this, it is unthinkable that they would start a military intervention in Niger,” Tajani added.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday called for “the immediate restoration of Niger’s democratically elected government”, and said the U.S. would pause certain foreign assistance programs that benefit the government of Niger.