Niger’s military-appointed prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, expressed optimism about reaching a deal with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened to employ force in order to restore civilian rule following a coup in July.
At a press conference held in Niamey, Zeine stated, “We have not halted communication with ECOWAS; we are maintaining contact. We have strong expectations of reaching an agreement in the coming days.”
ECOWAS, known as the Economic Community of West African States, imposed significant sanctions on Niger after rebel soldiers overthrew the democratically-elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26.
The regional bloc has repeatedly warned of military intervention to reinstate Bazoum, but only if peaceful attempts to resolve the crisis prove unsuccessful.
“We are prepared for a potential attack at any moment. We have made all necessary preparations. It would be an unjust war. We are resolute in defending ourselves if an attack occurs,” Zeine informed the press.
A crucial aspect of the crisis is establishing a timeline for the return to civilian rule.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the current chairman of ECOWAS, recently proposed a nine-month transition, akin to what Nigeria experienced in the late 1990s. The Nigerian presidency conveyed, “The president sees no reason why such a transition cannot be implemented in Niger if the military authorities are sincere.”
Algeria, Niger’s influential northern neighbor, has suggested a six-month transition.
The military rulers have not yet responded to these proposals, having previously advocated for a three-year handover period.
ECOWAS has adopted a firm stance regarding Niger, given a series of coups in the region since 2020. The military has seized power in Mali and Burkina Faso, where, like Niger, the armed forces have faced mounting losses in the ongoing battle against jihadist insurgency.
In 2021, a coup also occurred in Guinea after the country’s octogenarian president, Alpha Conde, sought a third term in office, a move contested by opponents as a breach of constitutional limits.
