Ahead of the ECOWAS ultimatum to the junta in Niger, its military leaders has reached out to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, seeking support in response to regional pressure to release ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
General Salifou Mody, one of the coup leaders, made the request while on a visit to neighbouring Mali.
The situation in Niger is becoming increasingly tense, with demonstrations both in support of and against the coup. President Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected leader, has described himself as a hostage, adding to the complexity of the crisis.
The West has long relied on Niger as a crucial ally in counterterrorism efforts, given the region’s history of frequent coups. However, the country’s foreign nationals have been evacuating in recent days, with French military aircraft playing a significant role.
The junta’s turn towards Russia and the involvement of Wagner, which already operates in several African countries, have raised concerns and uncertainty among the international community.
As the deadline approaches, some Nigeriens are preparing for potential conflict, while others are struggling to cope with the travel and economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. Initially, reports indicated that ECOWAS was opposed to considering military intervention and instead focused on implementing sanctions. However, the bloc’s military leaders later stated that they had devised a plan for a potential armed invasion if the coup leaders refused to step down. The economic sanctions are already taking a toll on the people of Niger, as the prices of essential commodities like rice and vegetables have risen, making life harder for the citizens.
In response to the crisis, borders have been closed, and electricity supply to Niger from Nigeria has been cut off, resulting in more frequent and prolonged power outages in the country. There is also the suspension of commercial and financial transactions with ECOWAS countries, causing rising prices of goods and limited access to cash for the residents. The situation is exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.
As the situation unfolds, the dynamics of the political crisis in Niger are becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. The potential for military intervention adds another layer of uncertainty to the already tense atmosphere, impacting the daily lives of ordinary citizens with the scarcity of essential goods and power disruptions.
Niger Students Rally in Support of Coup
About a hundred students gathered in Niamey, the capital of Niger, to express their backing for the military forces that seized control of the country in a coup on July 26th. The protesters voiced their anger against sanctions and the threat of military intervention from leaders in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During the coup, Niger’s presidential guard removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power and detained him. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard, declared himself the interim leader and president of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
The junta in Niger has firmly stated that it will promptly retaliate against any foreign intervention.