By Olanrewaju Akilu
Russia has issued a warning against military intervention in Niger, emphasizing that such action could lead to prolonged destabilization. This comes after West African leaders announced their intention to deploy a “standby” force to restore the president who was ousted in a coup.
“We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a report by global news agency, AFP.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved the deployment of a standby force to help restore constitutional order in Niger. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced this decision after an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria. However, the specific details of the force’s composition and timetable for action remain undisclosed.
Ouattara revealed that Ivory Coast would contribute a battalion of troops, alongside soldiers from Nigeria and Benin. Other countries are also expected to join the intervention effort. The aim is to swiftly restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power, who was deposed by the recent coup.
“We are determined to restore president Bazoum to his functions.”
ALSO READ: IGP Announces Promotion In Nigeria Police Will Be Determined By Merit
In a statement issued on Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken advocated for a peaceful resolution to reverse the coup, commending ECOWAS’ determination to explore non-violent options. He praised ECOWAS for their efforts to emphasize the need for a return to constitutional order.
France, the former colonial power, expressed its full support for ECOWAS’ conclusions.
As the West African leaders’ summit unfolded, Niger’s newly established military rulers solidified their control by appointing a new government, displaying continued defiance against external pressures.
The new cabinet, comprising 21 members, will be led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian. However, the defense and interior ministries will be overseen by generals from the newly formed military governing council.
In direct contradiction to the ultimatum set by ECOWAS, the coup leaders have disregarded the Sunday deadline for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since July 26. This defiance has raised the possibility of military intervention.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who presided over the crisis meeting in Abuja, conveyed a sense of cautious hope for a peaceful resolution to restore democracy and stability.
“No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort, he added.”
The ECOWAS regional bloc has been grappling with a series of military takeovers across its member states, which poses a significant challenge to the region’s stability. The situation has the potential to exacerbate existing struggles against jihadist insurgencies.
Efforts to enforce the original seven-day ultimatum yielded unfavorable outcomes, leading to the recognition that more comprehensive engagement with all parties, including the coup leaders, is necessary to persuade them to step down and reinstate President Bazoum.
Despite an attempt by ECOWAS, the United Nations, and the African Union to send representatives to Niger’s capital, Niamey, this effort was rejected by the coup leaders.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum,” Tinubu said.
