Niger’s military leadership, following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, has declared its intention to charge him with “high treason” and endangering Niger’s security.
This move comes as a response to the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Niger after the coup. ECOWAS has not ruled out the possibility of using force against the army officers responsible for the coup.
ECOWAS has approved the potential deployment of a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger, though diplomatic solutions are still being pursued to address the crisis. The military leadership in Niger has criticized the sanctions, stating that they have adversely affected access to essential resources like medicine, food, and electricity.
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In a recent development, religious mediators engaged with coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, who expressed openness to diplomatic resolutions.
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Tiani claimed that the coup was intended to avert a looming threat, potentially affecting both Niger and Nigeria. However, he expressed disappointment that ECOWAS issued an ultimatum without considering their perspective.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, also the head of ECOWAS, has strongly opposed the coup, leading to financial and trade sanctions, as well as border closures with Niger. Despite ECOWAS’s ultimatum, the new rulers have not backed down, and the situation remains tense.
Demonstrations in support of the new military leadership have become commonplace in Niamey, with large crowds gathering to endorse the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the group of generals now in power. The potential of a military intervention to reinstate Bazoum has stirred disagreements among ECOWAS members and garnered attention from international players like Russia and Algeria.
Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, also under military rule due to coups, have cautioned against such intervention, considering it a potential declaration of war against them. As Niger’s political turmoil continues, the region and the international community closely watch for any developments.
