France has temporarily halted the issuance of new visas for students from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso who were planning to continue their studies in the country.
This decision is a result of the closure of French consular services in these nations.
The suspension of visas follows mass protests in Niger’s capital, Niamey, where demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and troops from the West African country.
France had previously suspended cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso on July 29 and August 6, respectively, in response to the coup in Niger. In November 2022, a similar decision was made for Mali.
Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed solidarity with the military authorities in Niger.
The French embassy in Niger has been closed since the military takeover on July 26, and the French consulate is unable to issue visas. The French Ministry of Research and Higher Education has stated that the suspension of visa services and civil cooperation was forced by security concerns. However, existing collaborations with universities and scientific institutions will continue.
The visa suspension has created challenges for many students, including those who have been accepted to French universities and have paid their registration fees, as well as those still waiting for responses from universities.
France currently hosts around 3,000 Malian, 2,500 Burkinabé, and 1,200 Nigerien students in its higher education institutions.
The Council of Nigeriens in France has called on authorities in Niger and France to find a solution for the affected students. The Union des Scolaires Nigériens has urged students to be patient and realistic, given the diplomatic tensions between Niger and France.
It remains uncertain when France will resume the issuance of visas to students from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The French Ambassador to Niger is allegedly living in captivity in the French embassy, according to President Emmanuel Macron, who also charged military leaders with obstructing food deliveries to the mission.
According to Macron, the ambassador is surviving solely on “military rations” and was speaking to media in the eastern town of Semur-en-Auxois on Friday.
“As we speak, we have an ambassador and diplomatic staff who are literally being held hostage in the French embassy,” he said.
“They are preventing food deliveries,” he said, in an apparent reference to Niger’s new military rulers. “He is eating military rations.”
Niger’s military leaders had initially instructed French ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. However, despite a 48-hour ultimatum issued in August, the French government refused to comply and did not recognize the legitimacy of the military government.
France, along with most of Niger’s neighbors, condemned the coup.
President Emmanuel Macron stated that the French ambassador “cannot go out, he is persona non grata, and he is being refused food.” When asked whether France would consider recalling the ambassador, Macron indicated that any decision would be made in coordination with President Bazoum, whom he considers the legitimate authority and communicates with daily.
France maintains approximately 1,500 troops in Niger and has emphasized that any redeployment would need to be negotiated with President Bazoum.
The new leaders of Niger have terminated military cooperation agreements with France and have requested the swift departure of French troops.
Macron has consistently rejected calls to withdraw the French ambassador, a position supported by the European Union (EU), which has described the demand as “a provocation.” Like France, the EU does not recognize the authorities that took power in Niger.
The Sahel region, located south of the Sahara, has experienced a series of coups in recent years, with military regimes replacing elected governments in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, prompting concerns and responses from regional and international actors.
Last week, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for Niger’s coup leaders, accused France of amassing forces and equipment in West African countries, potentially for a “military intervention” against Niamey.
Niger is also in a standoff with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has threatened military intervention if diplomatic efforts to reinstate President Bazoum are unsuccessful.
Gabon’s transition agreement, as officially published in the gazette, lacks a clear prohibition against General Brice Oligui Nguema, the individual responsible for ousting President Ali Bongo, from running in elections following the transitional period.
The document, reviewed by the BBC, delineates the roles of five key bodies responsible for overseeing the transition:
President of the transition, National Council of the transition, Government of the transition, Parliament of the transition, Constitutional Court of the transition.
Members of these bodies, including the prime minister and the vice-president, are forbidden from participating in the presidential elections that will mark the conclusion of the transition period. The only exception to this prohibition is the president.
General Nguema has pledged to ensure free elections that will lead to a peaceful transfer of power but has not provided a specific timetable for these elections.
Additionally, the agreement grants amnesty to all military personnel who participated in the removal of President Bongo. According to the charter, “Members of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and all those who took part in the events between August 29, 2023, and the inauguration of the president of the transition, shall enjoy immunity.”
In response to the coup d’état that occurred on July 26th, the United States government has initiated a repositioning of its troops in Niger.
According to Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for the US Pentagon, a portion of the personnel currently stationed at Air Base 101 near Niger’s capital, Niamey, will be relocated to Air Base 201 in Agadez, situated further north.
During a media briefing at the Pentagon, Ms. Singh emphasized that there is no immediate threat to American troops and no indication of imminent violence on the ground. She clarified that this repositioning is purely a precautionary measure.
The United States maintains a presence of at least 1,100 troops across its two air bases in Niger. Air Base 201 in Agadez is notably a significant $110-million facility dedicated to drone operations, boasting a length of 1.9 kilometers and located approximately 920 kilometers from Niamey.
These US forces are primarily deployed in Niger to support the country’s efforts in counterterrorism and the enhancement of its military capabilities.
It is worth noting that relations between Niger and its Western partners have deteriorated following the overthrow of democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum by the military.
In recent developments, France has initiated negotiations with Niger’s military junta concerning the potential withdrawal of some of its 1,500 troops from the country.
On Monday, Niger’s military-appointed prime minister expressed optimism about reaching a deal with the West African bloc Ecowas in the “coming days.” Ecowas has threatened to employ force to restore civilian rule in Niger following a coup in July. The prime minister also mentioned ongoing discussions about a swift withdrawal of French forces from Niger, a move that follows deteriorating relations between Niger and France after the military takeover.
“We have not stopped contacts with Ecowas, we are continuing contacts. We have good hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming days,” said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine during a press conference in Niamey.
Ecowas, 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. Ecowas has also repeatedly warned of military intervention to reinstate Bazoum if diplomatic efforts fail.
The crisis revolves around the timeline for returning to civilian rule. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the current chairman of Ecowas, suggested a nine-month transition, similar to Nigeria’s experience in the late 1990s. Algeria, Niger’s influential northern neighbor, has proposed a six-month transition, while the military rulers had previously mentioned a three-year handover period.
Ecowas has taken a firm stance on Niger following a series of coups in the region since 2020, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
In addition, Prime Minister Zeine mentioned ongoing “contacts” to facilitate the rapid withdrawal of French forces from Niger, although he emphasized the desire to maintain cooperation with France despite recent tensions. France has around 1,500 troops in Niger, and tensions escalated after France backed the ousted President Bazoum and refused to acknowledge the coup leaders as the legitimate government. France has also ignored announcements canceling military agreements and threats to expel the French ambassador.
The post-coup government renounced military accords with France on August 3, claiming that French troops in Niger were now in an “illegal” position.
Meanwhile, Niger reopened its airspace on Monday after imposing a flight ban on August 6 in response to Ecowas’ threat.
China has also expressed its intent to play a “mediating role” in the political crisis, stating that it supports African countries in resolving their problems in an African manner. China is a significant economic partner for Niger, particularly in the energy sector.
On Monday, Niger’s military-appointed prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement with the West African bloc ECOWAS.
ECOWAS has previously threatened to use force to reinstate civilian rule following a coup in July.
“We have not stopped contacts with ECOWAS, we are continuing contacts. We have good hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming days,” Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine told a press conference in Niamey.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has imposed significant sanctions on Niger following the coup on July 26 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been democratically elected.
Additionally, ECOWAS has issued multiple warnings about the potential use of military intervention to restore Bazoum to power, but only as a last resort if peaceful efforts to resolve the crisis prove unsuccessful.
“We are bracing to be attacked at any time. Every preparation has been taken. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves if there is an attack,” Zeine told reporters.
A crucial issue in the crisis revolves around the timeframe for the restoration of civilian rule.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, proposed last Thursday a nine-month period similar to the transition Nigeria experienced in the late 1990s.
“The president sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger, if Niger’s military authorities are sincere,” the Nigerian presidency said in a statement.
Algeria, Niger’s influential northern neighbor, has suggested a six-month transition period. However, the military authorities have not yet responded to these proposals, having previously indicated a three-year transition period.
ECOWAS has adopted a tough stance towards Niger, following a series of coups in the region since 2020. Military takeovers occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso, where, like Niger, armed forces have suffered significant losses due to a prolonged jihadist insurgency.
Additionally, a coup took place in Guinea in 2021 after the country’s octogenarian president, Alpha Conde, sought a third term in office, a move that opponents argued violated constitutional limits.
This happened after the leaders of a group called Ecowas said they might use power to take action after the coup on 26 July that removed President Mohammed Bazoum from his position.
The choice to allow planes to fly in the airspace doesn’t include military flights and other special flights. These types of flights need permission from the appropriate authorities. Niger says this.
However, there may still be limits on flights to the country because of the economic sanctions imposed by Ecowas.
France’s Foreign Minister has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to retaining troops in Niger and maintaining the presence of the French ambassador.
The military leadership in Niamey had previously demanded the expulsion of the French ambassador more than a week ago.
Catherine Colonna, speaking to Le Monde newspaper, emphasized that Ambassador Sylvain Itte represented France to Niger’s “legitimate authorities,” referring to the deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
This statement came amid ongoing protests in Niamey, where tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets for the third consecutive day near a French military base. These demonstrators continue to call for France, their former colonial power, to withdraw its troops.
France currently has approximately 1,500 soldiers stationed in Niger, primarily to assist in addressing the Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region.
EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, remarked on Thursday that the military coup in Gabon should not be equated with the crisis in Niger.
In Gabon, citizens participated in general elections on Saturday. However, following the announcement of President Ali Bongo as the victor on Wednesday, military officers claimed to have taken control and confined him to his residence.
Borrell explained that their intervention stemmed from the perception that the recently ousted president had secured his position through an unjust election.
“While military coups are undoubtedly not a solution, we should acknowledge that in Gabon, the elections were marred by irregularities,” he stated.
He further elaborated, “There are military and institutional coups, where the use of force is not required. If I manipulate elections to attain power, that is also an improper means of seizing authority.”
Borrell’s comments came amid discussions among EU foreign ministers about aiding the ECOWAS regional group in West Africa in addressing the military takeover that occurred in Niger on July 26.
Both the EU and ECOWAS are firmly against the military’s overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger. However, Borrell argued that the circumstances surrounding the dramatic developments in Gabon should not be directly compared.
In Niger, the president had been democratically elected, whereas in Gabon, the Bongo family had maintained control over the oil-rich nation for nearly six decades. Ali Bongo assumed the presidency in 2009 after the passing of his father, Omar.
Former Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has provided insight into his perspective on the underlying reason for Ghana’s economic challenges.
Dr. Boamah’s comments coincide with a period of financial turmoil in the nation, while simultaneously endorsing Ghana’s support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision to deploy troops to counter the junta in Niger.
He believes that the present government’s misaligned priorities are exacerbating the economic difficulties experienced by the people of Ghana.
“Broke country beating war drums! This should tell Ghanaians our suffering is due to poor priorities; and that the government can find the money if…” he said in a tweet.
It can be recalled that the deputy minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, said that if the government decided to contribute troops to support the ECOWAS to deal with the coup situation in Niger, it will do so based on its capacity to fund the deployment.
She stated that no country can give what it does not have hence Ghana’s contribution will depend on its capacity.
The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has cautioned that the economic consequences of an ECOWAS intervention in Niger to reinstate constitutional governance could be severe.
This concern arises as ECOWAS member nations contemplate the possibility of military action against the junta in Niger.
Ambassador Abdul Musah, the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at ECOWAS, has clarified that while the organization is presently prioritizing diplomatic engagement with Niger’s military leadership, any further defiance from the junta could prompt a response aimed at safeguarding the principles of the regional bloc.
In response to these developments, Theodora W. Anti, the Executive Director of FOSDA, has urged ECOWAS to remain steadfast in its pursuit of diplomatic solutions to the Niger crisis.
“When you look at the economic implications and the current economic situation we find ourselves in now, it’s dire. You look at the economic implication and even the military implication you will definitely record some casualties, bloodshed and we don’t want an ECOWAS that does such things against its own people.
“Whether it be military or civilian, I think ECOWAS should listen to the people and pursue diplomacy to the end. Diplomacy should be consistently persisted with this Niger issue,” madam Anti stated in an interview with Starrfm.com.gh.
She continued: “The junta has indicated that they are ready to talk and as the ECOWAS Commissioner has said all cards are on the table. And from my internal sources in ECOWAS they are actually pushing diplomacy more. It is just that somehow the media amplifies the military option more. So they should continue to intensify diplomatic intervention more. So that we come to a win solution to this.
In the meantime, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, a multitude of individuals formed queues outside the primary stadium in Niamey, Niger, in response to the appeal for civilian volunteers to back the armed forces.
The organizer of the event emphasized that the junta had no direct association with this effort, despite being informed about its occurrence.
The coup leader in Niger has promised to return the country to civilian rule within three years.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani made the announcement after meeting mediators from the West African regional bloc Ecowas in the capital, Niamey.
In the event that negotiations break down, Ecowas has threatened to take military action to undo President Mohamed Bazoum’s overthrow from last month.
The junta head said that Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.
“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” he warned in his televised address on Saturday evening.
Gen Tchiani also reiterated criticism of what he called the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by Ecowas on the landlocked country.
This has included cutting electricity, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities, as well as blocking crucial imports.
Lorry drivers have been stuck for weeks waiting to bring in supplies, forcing up food prices.
“Sanctions are not conceived with the aim of finding a solution but to bring us to our knees and humiliate us,” Gen Tchiani said.
Thousands of men came to a stadium in Niamey on Saturday to register for a volunteer force in case of invasion – although overcrowding prevented the registration process from starting, the Reuters news agency reports.
Crowds near General Seyni Kountche Stadium in Niamey on Saturday
Regional efforts to reverse the coup have been backed by the US and France, which both have military bases in Niger. These bases are part of efforts to tackle jihadist groups in the wider Sahel region.
The junta leader, who headed the presidential guard before seizing power on 26 July, said military intervention could worsen the Islamist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
“They seem ignorant to the fact that it is in large part thanks to the professionalism and valour of the defence and security forces of Niger that Niger has remained a barrier preventing terrorist hordes from destabilising the whole region,” he said.
The coup mirrors similar recent takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
And the influence of Russia in the wider Sahel region is also growing through its mercenary group Wagner.
Gen Tchiani did not give details about the handover of power, but said the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a “dialogue” hosted by the coup leaders.
Ecowas has not yet commented on the announcement except to say that during the visit on Saturday, mediators also met Mr Bazoum, who has been in detention with his wife and son since the coup.
Their delegation was led by former Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and also included Nigeria’s most senior Muslim leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III.
He wields huge influence in Niger, part of which used to be in the Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful kingdom before colonial rule.
Saturday’s meeting was was the first between leaders of the junta and Ecowas.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who orchestrated a coup to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum and assumed control of Niger’s government, has put forth a proposal to restore democracy within a span of three years.
The junta head said that Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.
“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” he warned in his televised address on Saturday evening.
Gen Tchiani reaffirmed his condemnation of the sanctions imposed by Ecowas, which he characterized as “illegitimate and inhumane.” These sanctions have included measures such as electricity cuts, leading to power outages in Niamey and other major urban centers, as well as the disruption of vital imports.
As a consequence, truck drivers have been stranded for weeks, unable to deliver essential supplies, causing a surge in food prices.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned of the possibility of military intervention if diplomatic negotiations prove unsuccessful in reversing the coup that occurred last month, resulting in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Regional initiatives aimed at overturning the coup have garnered support from the United States and France, both of which maintain military bases in Niger. These bases are instrumental in the joint efforts to combat jihadist organizations across the broader Sahel region.
The leader of the junta, who previously headed the presidential guard before assuming power on July 26th, cautioned that military intervention might exacerbate the ongoing Islamist insurgencies associated with groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
A two-day poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics on August 18 and 19, approximately indicates that 52% of the Ghanaian population opposes Ghana’s participation in a military intervention aimed at restoring democracy in Niger.
This poll surveyed 1,618 respondents spanning all sixteen regions of Ghana. Among its findings, it revealed that nearly 76% of Ghanaians believe that coups in African countries stem from poor governance. Conversely, 17% do not share this perspective, and 7% expressed no opinion.
Furthermore, 49% of Ghanaians hold the view that coups do not provide a lasting solution to addressing governance issues, while 43% disagree, and 8% do not have a definite opinion on the matter.
The backdrop for this discussion is the recent ousting of Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum, leading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to order the deployment of its standby force on August 10 to reinstate constitutional order in Niger.
The declaration was made by ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray during the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security for the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Abdel-Fatau Musah, has contested assertions that the bloc would require 50,000 troops in Niger for a potential deployment to remove the military junta.
He pointed out that Niger’s military has approximately 13,000 personnel, and if ECOWAS were to deploy its standby army to restore the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, it wouldn’t necessitate 50,000 troops to confront them.
The question of troop numbers was initially raised by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who cited credible sources to support his claims.
During his appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 19, he further revealed that, regrettably, only four countries within the bloc were likely to contribute troops to this mission.
“If you really look at ECOWAS today, it’s Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Nigeria is already stretched with Boko Haram. Tinubu [Nigeria’s President] doesn’t have support. Ivory Coast says they can do 1,000 [soldiers].
“Senegal, I know has received a juicy offer from America to send their troops to Haiti to support the American intervention there because Haiti is totally getting out of control. They are likely to accept that. We’re left with Ghana, how are we going to get those numbers?” he quizzed.
Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security for the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Abdel-Fatau Musah, has contested assertions that the bloc would require 50,000 troops in Niger for a potential deployment to remove the military junta.
He pointed out that Niger’s military has approximately 13,000 personnel, and if ECOWAS were to deploy its standby army to restore the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, it wouldn’t necessitate 50,000 troops to confront them.
The question of troop numbers was initially raised by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who cited credible sources to support his claims.
“That is speculation. We have our concrete figure but I won’t disclose it. It is far far less than what is being said. Niger force strength is about 13,000.
“We don’t need up to 50,000 troops to go and confront 13,000,” he said on Newsfile on Saturday.
Mr. Ablakwa has cited credible sources indicating that ECOWAS would need a substantial force comprising at least 50,000 troops to effectively address the situation in the West African country.
During his appearance on the August 19th edition of Newsfile on Joy FM, he further revealed that, regrettably, only four countries within the bloc were likely to contribute troops to this mission.
“If you really look at ECOWAS today, it’s Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Nigeria is already stretched with Boko Haram. Tinubu [Nigeria’s President] doesn’t have support. Ivory Coast says they can do 1,000 [soldiers].
“Senegal, I know has received a juicy offer from America to send their troops to Haiti to support the American intervention there because Haiti is totally getting out of control. They are likely to accept that. We’re left with Ghana, how are we going to get those numbers?” he claimed.
The Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) says ECOWAS’ military intervention in Niger will not happen.
Professor Kwesi Aning’s stance still holds despite heads of forces of some member states after a meeting in Accra announced their readiness to strike.
According to him, the intervention will not happen because the bloc itself is facing credibility challenges and, therefore, would need to reverse its steps to regain “parts of its credibility.”
“Let me repeat it; the attack will not happen. You know yourself the number of times I’ve predicted coup d’états that have come through. So this is about forecasting and risk analysis and risk assessment.
“The intervention will not happen because ECOWAS needs to reverse or retract its steps to get parts of its credibility back,” he told Newsfile host, Samson Lardy Anyenini.
The expert indicated that the military regime in Niger started signalling their willingness to negotiate but “because of the tendency that our elders don’t make mistakes and they don’t apologise,” ECOWAS seems to be having difficulty reversing its decision.
In the midst of these developments, reports indicate that the media in Niger is abuzz with discussions regarding the possibility of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal providing ammunition support to Niger in response to the anticipated military intervention by ECOWAS.
Professor Aning believes this response is a prudent one, considering ECOWAS’ announcement of its intent to carry out an intervention. He emphasized that when there’s a perceived threat of attack, it’s natural to make preparations.
Following a one-week ultimatum issued to the leaders of the Niger coup to restore constitutional rule, commanders from various ECOWAS member states gathered in Accra to deliberate on their intervention plan. Notably, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso did not attend the meeting, as they expressed support for Niger and criticized ECOWAS’ approach.
Experts have also voiced their concerns about ECOWAS’ approach, asserting that the regional bloc should have exhausted all available diplomatic options before resorting to a military intervention, which was meant to be a last resort.
As per the announcement by the commanders after their Accra meeting, there are no plans for further discussions before a potential military strike in Niger.
Ghana’s military has been compelled to refute allegations that West African commanders entered a meeting concerning the Niger crisis to the soundtrack of the television series “Game of Thrones.” This denial follows the circulation of a manipulated video clip online.
The fabricated video was initially disseminated by Ghana’s UTV channel on social media, but it was subsequently removed.
Representatives from the Ghanaian armed forces confirm that no such music was played during the guard of honor parade held in Accra on Thursday.
The parade marked the commencement of a two-day Ecowas conference, where regional defense leaders convened to finalize plans for potential military intervention in Niger.
The nation recently witnessed a coup that deposed its democratically elected president. In the event of diplomatic efforts faltering, Ecowas has indicated its readiness to employ force to reinstate constitutional governance in Niger.
There is a concern that any further instability could exacerbate Niger’s already fragile security circumstances.
West African military leaders have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger, who is currently detained.
This appeal was made during the recently concluded two-day 48th Extraordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, held in Accra.
The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff also advocated for the liberation of President Bazoum’s family and the detained members of his cabinet.
Since Monday, July 26, the military junta in Niger has been holding President Bazoum, along with his family and several cabinet members, in detention.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, who made the call in Accra said: “ECOWAS was ready to go to Niger anytime the order is given.”
“The troops across the region are ready to respond to the call of duty. “Operational troops are not disclosed but they are ready equipment-wise, with political will and resources,” he said.
According to Ambassador Musa, ECOWAS was not against the Republic of Niger, however, it was working on Niger coming back to a constitutional rule.
“We have not shut any door, sanctions are on the table, ready to accept dialogue but not any fruitless one.
“We are doing it ourselves. The coup in Niger is one coup too many for the region and we are putting a stop to it,” he said.
The second and final CDS meeting before to the ECOWAS standby force’s deployment in the Republic of Niger, according to Ambassador Musa.
Military leaders from ECOWAS nations used the two-day Meeting as a forum to plan a potential military intervention in Niger.
The military seizure represents the ninth coup or attempted power acquisition within a span of slightly over three years in West and Central Africa. These regions had previously been striving to distance themselves from their image as a “coup belt.”
Just last week, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to activate a standby force for potential intervention in response to the junta’s takeover.
The Military Chiefs, among their responsibilities, are anticipated to formulate a tactical structure and a plan of action for potential intervention in Niger, contingent on approval from ECOWAS leaders.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has directed its standby force to reinstate constitutional order in Niger, a directive voiced by Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of ECOWAS. This proclamation was made while reading ECOWAS’ resolution on the Niger coup during the ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, in Abuja.
Mr. Touray further urged the African Union (AU), partner nations, and institutions to back the resolution endorsed by the sub-regional organization.
He noted that all attempts to engage in dialogue with the Nigerien military junta had been met with obstinate rejection from the coup leaders.
Coups are bad and there is no justification whatsoever for it. In the view of Plato, soldiers have no business governing a country.
They must remain guardians and allow the Philosopher King alone to govern. But many times, there are no Philosopher Kings in Africa and so, coups happen. When they occur, they require a very serious thinking process and analysis to handle them. Sometimes, a military response may be the way to deal with them. At other times, pure diplomacy may be required.
The Niger situation is quite different from the Gambian situation and in my honest opinion, would require a more tactful diplomacy than military response. In Gambia, the international community was ad idem that Yahaya Jammeh had to leave and there were virtually no foreign military bases that had special interests in his country. His soldiers were no longer loyal to him and hence he had to flee when ECOWAS troops moved in on him.
The situation in Niger is however quite different. The military junta there are ready to fight. Russia has an interest in providing para-military services to ward off terrorist in Niger for a fee. They are in full support of the current military junta.
The Americans want their company Chevron to pass gas pipelines from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for European consumption, a move to diversify European dependence on Russia gas.
In fact, because of this plan ‘Nordstrom’ or ‘Nordstream’ pipeline from Russia to Europe was blown up in the ocean through sabotage with the Americans being prime suspects. So for Russia, they will support the Niger junta especially when the latter even made it clear that they’re halting exportation of uranium to France.
France has an interest in the uranium of Niger and is willing to fight in defence of the ousted leader. So, France and America would be against the military junta while Russia will fight on the side of the junta. Burkina Faso has also declared her intentions to fight any country or group that attacks Niger militarily and Nigeria may be unable to provide troops as its parliament has voted against a military response to what is happening in Niger.
How will ECOWAS troops fare? We must be careful not to be caught in a crossfire of a potential proxy war, where soldiers may be innocently massacred. Given that there is no unanimity on the use of military force in handling the crisis in Niger even among ECOWAS countries, we must interrogate the resolve to use soldiers rather than diplomacy critically, and with some trepidation.
I know that some African leaders who have governed poorly, are pushing for the deployment of military force to handle the Niger crisis, as a way of ensuring that no one dreams about coups. Yes no one must dream about coups, but the best antidote to coups isn’t the use of military force, it is good governance. African leaders who are scared of military coups now have an excellent opportunity to govern well in addressing basic human needs of the ordinary people as a sure way to make the idea of coups unpopular.
If all the countries that are teaming up to ally with Niger decide to do so, ECOWAS forces may not succeed, and when there is massacre of forces of African descent, it potentially can infuriate soldiers to react against their governments that deployed their colleagues.
We must never support any coup anywhere in the world. But when they occur, we must strategise appropriately to deal with them. Not all coups can be responded to with military force. Some, especially in the Niger case would require a more nuanced and tactful diplomacy.
Yaw Gyampo
A31 Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Suro Nipa House
Behind Old Post Office
Larteh Akuapim
Disclaimer: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee of the Conventional People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, has advised President Akufo-Addo to strongly oppose the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to Niger.
The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff has declared their determination to use all available means to restore constitutional order in Niger.
During a two-day extraordinary meeting held in Ghana, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff discussed the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force in the Republic of Niger.
In a session with high-ranking officers, Ambassador Abdul Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, explained that while diplomatic engagement with the military rulers in Niger remains ongoing, any further defiance by the junta could prompt a response to protect the regional bloc’s principles, involving contingency plans.
Speaking on the Weekly Review segment of the Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Mr. Jantuah, the Political Affairs Chairman of CPP, cautioned against the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force in Niger.
“May I ask a question, what is the interest of Ghana, is the interest of Ghana in Niger Ghanaians? Is that what it is because right now the price of onions has gone up. Some of the trucks are stacked at the border. Are you saying, sometimes you don’t seem to understand it, onions, tomatoes can we not grow them here?
“Listen to President Obasanjo when he talks about this particular issue, it is because of the intransigence of our leaders, who are not able to do what they are supposed to do that is creating this. Look in Ghana here, our government should thank the people, the people don’t want these kinds of things, the people don’t want a coup. But the people are suffering and people believe in the thumb,” Mr. Jantuah stated.
He questioned Ghana’s vested interest, underscoring economic challenges and potential repercussions.
Jantuah emphasized that a military invasion of Niger might result in adverse consequences for supporting nations as well.
He warned about the risk of retaliatory missile strikes and referred to the insurgency along the Bawku border.
He urged President Akufo-Addo to take a stand against military intervention, given Ghana’s history with coups, and advocated for a diplomatic approach instead.
“The missiles won’t start flying in Niger, all the countries that have come together to attack them and the others who are defending them will throw missiles into your country. Remember Bawku and we have insurgence on that border. When the people start coming and taking our gold deposits we are in big trouble.
“They should think about this clearly, and let me end by saying President Akufo-Addo should be one President in the midst of all to say no, Ghana has experienced coups and coups haven’t helped us, yes, but this isn’t the way to go. Let’s negotiate.”
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Abdel-Fatau Musah, has conveyed that ECOWAS is deploying its resources to Niger and is open to collaboration with any willing organizations to provide assistance.
“The request for Chapter VII is often done in order to secure resources, access contributions from the UN coffers. The Heads of State are saying we are going to Niger with our resources. Anybody who wants to help us, fair enough,” he said.
Mr. Musah made these remarks during the ongoing 48th Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) in Accra.
This two-day gathering serves as a platform for the CDS to devise strategies for potential military intervention in Niger.
The powers outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter empower the UN Security Council to uphold global peace. It grants the Council authority to assess threats to peace, breaches of peace, or acts of aggression and to take both military and non-military measures to reestablish international peace and security.
Since Monday, July 26, the Military Junta of Niger Republic has detained President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of his Cabinet.
The military coup in Niger marks the fifth occurrence of such an event in just over three years within the West African sub-region. Other countries experiencing coup d’états include Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Following the junta’s takeover, ECOWAS leaders recently decided to activate a standby force for potential intervention. The military chiefs’ responsibilities include preparing an action plan for Niger contingent upon approval from ECOWAS leaders.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, offered reassurance that the group would undertake appropriate actions.
“We must confront them head-on, dwell upon our shared experiences, wisdom and the strength of our collective resolve. Our decisions will be a strong message about our commitment to democracy, our intolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and our dedication to regional stability,” he said.
The path that lay before ECOWAS was not an easy one, but it ought to strive to restore democracy and sovereignty to the Republic of Niger, General Musa said.
“We must not allow the people of Niger to suffer. Our resolve is to protect the integrity of our states and protect ECOWAS citizens.”
Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister of Defence, said the meeting was to restore constitutional order in the Community and a platform for the CDS to put in plans to meet ECOWAS directives to restore peace.
“Members are united in carrying out directives and measures of ECOWAS for democracy restoration in Niger,” he said.
He urged the CDS to continue to be loyal to their heads of state, ECOWAS and defend their nations and territorial interpretations of their nations with the right tools.
“You have the right that your people choose their leaders in a free and fair manner.”
“Let us stay united, loyal and committed to the decisions of our various Heads of State and governments and replicate what the past military leaders of ECOWAS did in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Gambia and Guinea Bissau,” Mr Nitiwulu, also the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Bimbila, said.
In a connected development, ECOWAS issued an order last week for its standby force to reinstate constitutional order in the Niger Republic.
Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of ECOWAS, formally declared this resolution during the Extraordinary Meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
Mr. Touray urged the African Union (AU), collaborating nations, and institutions to endorse the resolution adopted by the sub-regional entity.
He conveyed that all attempts to engage in dialogue with the military junta in Niger Republic had been met with defiance by the coup leaders. This stance was taken in the face of the persistent detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family.
A community of Nigeriens have risen in Ghana as a powerful voice of solidarity and support for their homeland’s former leader, President Bazoum, who has been deposed due to an ongoing coup in Niger.
The group in Ghana are calling for his reinstatement, justifying his calls with claims that the ousted President has played a pivotal role in spearheading transformative development initiatives for Niger.
“Mohamed Bazoum is a good man. We’ve not had a President like him. If he stays in Niger for like 10 years all Niger will develop,” a member of the agitated group said.
On 26 July 2023, a coup d’état occurred in the Republic of the Niger when the country’s presidential guard detained president Mohamed Bazoum, and presidential guard commander general Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta, shortly after confirming the coup a success.
This was the fifth military coup d’état since the country gained independence from France in 1960, and the first since 2010. The coup was widely condemned by the United States and the country’s former colonialist France, and by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, the latter of which threatened military intervention against the junta. This led to the 2023 Nigerien crisis after the coup.
On 6 August, 57,000 soldiers were counted among the putschists, and 245,000 from ECOWAS members, with France refusing to intervene.
As the call for his reinstatement reverberates across the continent, the collective sentiment from this community echoes loudly: Bazoum must be released.
“We are not happy with how the soldiers came and seized power and it’s affecting everything. People are losing their businesses. The country is in a standstill now. So the soldiers should reinstate the President and hand over power to him because he’s the only one who can develop Niger,” the protesting group said.
A Nigerian preacher, Prophet Abel Boma, has invoked prayers against potential coups in West Africa, revealing that he received a revelation about a coup plot in Ghana.
In his prophetic message, he advised people across West Africa not to entertain thoughts of orchestrating coups against their governments.
In a TikTok video, he cautioned that a coup in Ghana would not be beneficial for the nation.
“Spread this message to the people of Ghana: a coup will not bring good results. Anyone considering a coup as a solution will experience continuous betrayal in that nation for generations,” Boma declared.
The recent coup in Niger has reignited discussions about the prevalence of military takeovers in Africa, particularly in West Africa.
Instances of military-led changes in government have occurred in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo promptly condemned coups in the West African subregion following the Niger incident.
Speaking during Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, he emphasized that ECOWAS must unite to eliminate coups in the region, aiming to eradicate widespread poverty.
Ghana also hosted a meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff on August 17, 2023, to address the Niger coup.
The meeting aimed to finalize plans for deploying a standby military force to Niger, with the objective of removing the junta that toppled the government.
This gathering followed the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government’s directive during an Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in Niger, held on August 10, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has condemned reports suggesting that the bloc is working on the orders of foreign influence in its handling of the Niger coup.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that there has been no external force compelling ECOWAS to take a stance on the matter.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
There have been reports that the United States, France and Russia are meddling in the ECOWAS-Niger coup brouhaha, but nothing substantial has been provided.
According to Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, such news is “fake”.
“Did the France or US or anybody script our protocol for us? We have the capacity to go in,” he said.
He noted that “those who are talking about ECOWAS being teleguided by the West are those who are promoting Russia. The same people are those who see Russians as saviors.”
He therefore quizzed “when will Africa find saviours among themselves?”
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah indicated that Africa cannot always look for external partners, either China, America, Russia and others.
“When are we going to project our own agency. That’s the problem. Since the 19960s, Africa has always been an arena for proxy war between the soveigt union, China on one side and the West. Today, we are in multipolar environment and we are running around from the frying pan to the fire.
“All those who have Africa at heart should try to generate internal resistance to all these and not to oppose one and be welcoming,” he encouraged.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has conveyed to the BBC that Russia’s Wagner mercenary group is capitalizing on the prevailing instability in Niger. He noted that the junta has taken control of the country after the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum nearly a fortnight ago.
Amid circulating speculations that the coup leaders sought assistance from the Wagner group, which is known to be active in nearby Mali, Blinken emphasized that he doesn’t believe Russia or Wagner initiated the coup in Niger.
Nonetheless, he expressed concern about the potential emergence of the Wagner group in various parts of the Sahel region, emphasizing that the United States is closely monitoring the situation.
“I think what happened, and what continues to happen in Niger was not instigated by Russia or by Wagner, but… they tried to take advantage of it.
“Every single place that this Wagner group has gone, death, destruction and exploitation have followed,” said Mr Blinken.
“Insecurity has gone up, not down”.
He added that there was a “repeat of what’s happened in other countries, where they brought nothing but bad things in their wake”.
Some Niger citizens residing in Ghana have called for the immediate reinstatement of democratically-elected President, Mohammed Bazoum by the military junta.
The head of the junta, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani deposed President Bazoum last month. The president has been held captive since and is now accused of treason.
Engaging JoyNews on Friday, a member of the group picketing at the Embassy of Niger in Ghana noted that under the leadership of President Bazoum, Niger has witnessed dramatic change, hence his outing cannot be accepted.
“Today, everybody knows about the development of Niger. The President likes his citizens. And so we can’t allow the soldiers to take the seat. We don’t like them.
In Ghana, democracy is working. We want that in our country too. Who likes soldier law,” he said.
President Bazoum assumed office in April 2021 after winning the 2020–21 presidential election.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) is working to return Niger to a democratic governance.
ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
As part of ongoing endeavors to reverse the ousting of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in a coup on July 26, defense chiefs from the 15-member regional alliance convened in Accra on Thursday.
ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah affirmed on Thursday that all member states, excluding those currently under military governance and Cape Verde, have expressed their readiness to partake in the standby force.
“Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage,” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said at the start of the two-day meeting in Accra. “The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability.”
The Nigerian people, he added, would endure even more hardship as a result of last month’s coup, have drawn the utmost concern of the UN’s human rights chief.
Volker Türk urged the military leaders to reestablish the rule of law right away.
He claimed that with borders closed, trade at a halt, power outages, and rising food costs, the situation in a nation where over half of the population lives in abject poverty was getting worse.
His remarks come as West African army chiefs are gathering in Ghana for a second day to plan potential military action should diplomatic efforts to overthrow the coup prove unsuccessful.
In his interaction, Djibo Dauoda was in denial that the military had toppled their government.
He added that the junta that seized power in the French West African country at the end of last month lacks recognition in the international community.
Meanwhile, a group of military chiefs from West Africa are wrapping up a strategic meeting organised by the sub-regional body ECOWAS in Accra to fashion out modalities for the deployment of troops to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The meeting commenced on Thursday and is expected to end today, Friday, August 18, 2023.
On the other hand, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has indicated that a significant number of its member nations are prepared to engage in a standby force, which could potentially intervene in Niger following a coup that transpired there at the end of the previous month.
As part of ongoing endeavors to reverse the ousting of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in a coup on July 26, defense chiefs from the 15-member regional alliance convened in Accra on Thursday.
ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah affirmed on Thursday that all member states, excluding those currently under military governance and Cape Verde, have expressed their readiness to partake in the standby force.
“Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage,” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa said at the start of the two-day meeting in Accra. “The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability.”
The Defence Chiefs of the 15 countries under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed their readiness to be part of the standby force that could restore democratic rule in the Niger Republic.
Following the military coup orchestrated by the Presidential Guards in the Niger Republic and the seizure of power from President Mohamed Bazoum, the West African bloc issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to restore power or risk sanctions, including the use of force.
According to Aljazeera, the Niger military junta, however, rejected the ECOWAS’s ultimatum and promised to oppose any international intervention.
In response, the ECOWAS requested that its standby force be activated by the defense chiefs of its member states to make sure that democracy was restored in the nation.
During their convened gathering in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Thursday, August 17, the Chiefs of Defence affirmed their preparedness to reinstate civilian governance in neighboring Niger.
As outlined in the report, all member states, with the exception of those currently under military rule and Cape Verde, have committed to joining the standby force.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner, was noted as making remarks in response.
Furthermore, the report featured a statement from General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, articulating their stance against the individuals orchestrating the coup.
He conveyed: “Democracy is what we stand for, and it’s what we encourage.” “The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promote stability.”
Former Commanding Officer, 1st Senegalese Air Force Squad, General Mansour Seck, has noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would need to amass about 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers to move to Niger and return democratic governance.
In the event that diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, military leaders from West Africa have affirmed their readiness to employ force in order to reinstate democracy in Niger after last month’s coup.
According to the Commissioner for Peace and Security in ECOWAS, Abdel-Fatau Musah, nearly all member states have shown dedication to providing troops and are prepared to take action in Niger if necessary.
Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire have expressed their readiness to deploy troops, although they are encountering internal criticism and encountering reluctance from other nations in the West African region.
The prospect of such intervention has sparked concerns about the potential escalation of conflict, given that the military administrations in Mali and Burkina Faso have declared their alignment with their counterparts in Niger.
President Bazoum in 2022 stated that the Nigerien army comprises approximately 30,000 personnel, with around 11,000 of them actively deployed in the theater of operations.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, has staunchly upheld the regional organization’s position regarding military intervention in Niger.
In response to appeals calling for a reconsideration of the decision for military action, Musah characterized such entreaties as lacking justification.
During his address at the Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff convened in Accra, Ambassador Musah underscored the severity of the situation unfolding in Niger.
The purpose of this meeting is to strategically formulate an intervention plan for Niger, pending approval from ECOWAS leaders.
Ambassador Musah unequivocally stated that if ongoing diplomatic discussions fail to yield desired outcomes, the standby force is prepared to take resolute action. He further affirmed the steadfast commitment of the regional body to preserving peace and stability within Niger.
With a strong emphasis on the paramount significance of democratic governance, Ambassador Musah highlighted the comprehensive utilization of all available strategies to facilitate Niger’s restoration to its rightful democratic trajectory.
“Let no one be in doubt that if everything fails, the valiant forces of West Africa, both the Military and Civilian components are ready to answer the call of duty. Your valiance has been demonstrated time and time again,” Ambassador Musah said.
He added that “by all means available constitutional order will be restored in the country.”
He claims that ECOWAS’ involvement demonstrates a commitment to sustaining democratic standards and preserving the political environment in the area.
Abdul-Fatau Musah also outlined the powerful tools ECOWAS has at its disposal to deal with the circumstance.
He revealed that the regional organization has plenty of resources and capacities to deal with and counter the disruption caused by the Niger junta and strive toward the restoration of democratic government in the nation.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, has defended the regional organization’s stance on military intervention in Niger, describing calls for the decision to be reversed as unjustified.
Speaking at the Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff held in Accra, Ambassador Musah highlighted the severity of the situation in Niger.
The purpose of the meeting was to strategically outline an intervention plan for Niger, pending approval from ECOWAS leaders.
Ambassador Musah affirmed that if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail, the standby force is prepared to take resolute action.
He emphasized ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and stability within Niger.
Underlining the significance of democratic governance, Ambassador Musah stressed the utilization of all available means to guide Niger back to its rightful democratic trajectory.
“In case of all other options proving futile, the brave West African forces—both military and civilian—are ready to fulfill their duty. Your bravery has been consistently demonstrated,” Ambassador Musah conveyed.
He further stated, “We will ensure the restoration of constitutional order in the country through every means at our disposal.”
Ambassador Musah reiterated that ECOWAS’s dedication mirrors its commitment to preserving democratic principles and safeguarding the political landscape of the region.
Abdul-Fatau Musah also unveiled the substantial resources and capabilities that ECOWAS possesses to tackle the situation.
He disclosed that the regional body has the necessary assets to effectively address and counter the disruptions caused by the Niger junta, working towards reestablishing democratic governance in the nation.
Some member states of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) did not attend the ECOWAS military chiefs meeting held in Accra, which started on Thursday, August 16, 2023.
The meeting was a follow-up to the directive of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in Niger held on August 10, 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria. The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) was tasked to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
The CCDS had an extraordinary meeting in Accra, Ghana from August 17 to 18, 2023 to finalise plans for the deployment of the Standby Force.
Addressing the gathering on the first day of the meeting, Minister of Defence of Ghana Dominic Nitiwul explained that some countries, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea, were absent due to the sanctions imposed on them.
“Four of our member states [Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea] are now facing sanctions for resorting to unconstitutional change of government which contradicts the ECOWAS protocol on good governance and democracy,” he said.
According to ECOWAS, these countries have been suspended from its bodies and have faced economic and financial sanctions after their respective military coups that ousted their elected leaders. Mali underwent two coups in August 2020 and May 2021, followed by Guinea in September 2021 and Burkina Faso in January 2023.
ECOWAS has been keen to limit political instability in the region and has urged the military juntas to shorten their transition periods and return to civilian rule.
Also, Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde were also present. According to the Minister, they had “genuine reasons” for their absence.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Chief Imam’s spokesperson, has expressed concern over the collateral damage that could result if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent troops to Niger to restore constitutional rule.
As a peace activist, Sheikh Shaibu claimed that since war has such terrible repercussions, it should never be considered as a solution to a dispute.
He drew attention to the terrible circumstances in Niger and expressed the opinion that, should ECOWAS invade the West African nation, the poor and vulnerable will be those who will be most negatively impacted.
“If you take Niger, 42.9% of citizens live below the poverty line. About 83% of them live in rural areas about 20% are unable to meet their daily needs.”
“And they are those going to bear the brunt of any looming war and given our sensitivity to the situation of such people, then what we will do is call for caution,” he told Evans Mensah on JoyNews’ PM Express.
Sheikh Shaibu urged ECOWAS to approach potential conflicts with extreme caution in light of these statistics and the already precarious circumstances that these populations face.
He believed that the ECOWAS could use diplomacy to restore democratic rule in Niger without resorting to force.
“So as a peace activist, war and violence are not part of my preference, rather, exhausting all the avenues available to get the junta to soften their positions and to give the opportunity for consultation that we will need for the restoration of constitutional rule,” he said on Wednesday.
This comes after the West African regional bloc decided to put together a standby force while attempting to resolve the Niger crisis through other diplomatic channels.
Already, a number of nations, including Ivory Coast, have agreed to send troops to the force. However, the opposition, which opposes the use of a military intervention, is criticising some of the leaders of nations like Nigeria and Ghana.
Security expert Rtd Colonel Festus Aboagye responded to ECOWAS’ decision to put together a force by saying that it might take some time before the group sends a military force to Niger in an effort to restore constitutional rule.
He added that member states must contribute to a standby force because some do not have enough personnel or resources to do so.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has cautioned President Akufo-Addo against hastily engaging in a military intervention in Niger in the wake of the recent coup.
He has urged the President to avoid putting Ghanaian soldiers’ lives at risk.
Using Twitter as his platform, the MP emphasized that Ghana’s military currently stands as a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the nation’s officers.
However, he expressed concern that the government has not adequately invested in the necessary tools and equipment to support them.
He wrote, “Dear President @NAkufoAddo, you know better than us all the pitiful state of our armed forces for foreign military intervention in another sovereign state. You know that despite the professional attitude and disposition of our gallant officers, you have failed to retool and equip our forces. Do not send them to untimely useless death!”
Invoking international law, the lawmaker cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits any state from taking illegal actions that undermine the sovereignty of another nation.
He also challenged the notion of military intervention being considered by President Akufo-Addo and other West African leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the illegal action you and your cronies in ECOWAS are considering. Even if you wanted to hide under Article 42, do you have a UNSC resolution authorising an intervention? There is no clear evidence of the 3-basis required to trigger R2P so respect the sovereignty of Niger,” he stated.
He advocated for a more pragmatic approach involving non-kinetic measures to engage, rather than an aggressive stance aimed at appeasing external powers. He insisted that any decision to involve the Ghana Armed Forces in a senseless war should require the approval of Parliament, emphasizing the demand for the same.
Sam George further recommended focusing the nation’s limited resources on improving the living conditions of Ghanaians and refraining from interfering in other countries’ affairs. He concluded by using the phrase “‘Dzi wo fie asem’ Mr President,” which translates to “Mind your business, Mr. President.”
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra region, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions of employing the military to mediate in Niger’s leadership turmoil.
He voiced his concerns about President Akufo-Addo’s failure to adequately equip and strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces (GFA), despite the unwavering dedication and professionalism exhibited by its officers.
President Akufo-Addo has announced Ghana’s commitment to providing troops for a regional standby force aimed at reinstating the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, and his government in Niger.
This initiative would involve engaging Niger’s soldiers who were responsible for the ousting and currently hold control.
“Focus our scarce resources on improving the living conditions of Ghanaians and stop poking your nose in other Country’s matters. Dzi wo fie asem Mr President,” he said.
On August 16, Sam George posted a message urging President Akufo-Addo to allocate the nation’s limited resources towards improving the well-being of Ghanaian citizens, rather than involving the country in external conflicts.
He additionally implored President Akufo-Addo to refrain from making decisions that could result in unnecessary loss of life and untimely confrontations.
“Direct our scarce resources towards enhancing the lives of Ghanaians and abstain from interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. Attend to your own concerns, Mr. President,” he commented.
The MP referred to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, arguing that this provision restricts the use of military interventions, a path being contemplated by “you [President Akufo-Addo] and your associates in ECOWAS.”
He questioned the validity of using Article 42 as justification and asked whether there existed a United Nations Security Council resolution sanctioning such an intervention. He pointed out that the necessary three criteria for invoking the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle were not clearly evident, underscoring the importance of respecting Niger’s sovereignty.
Mr. George further urged the president to adopt a thoughtful and judicious approach for resolving the crisis in Niger, rather than pursuing military intervention that might align with the interests of external powers.
He emphasized that any decision to commit Ghana Armed Forces personnel to a futile and unnecessary conflict should require the approval of Parliament, a demand he put forth.
The phrase ‘Dzi wo fie asem,’ which translates to “mind your own business,” gained prominence in politics when the late President John Evans Atta Mills, faced with pressure from political adversaries to interfere in the turmoil of Cote d’Ivoire at the time, asserted that he preferred to concentrate on domestic matters rather than meddle in the affairs of other sovereign nations.
The Christian Council of Ghana has issued a warning to President Akufo-Addo regarding the deployment of Ghanaian troops to aid in countering the coup in Niger.
This deployment forms part of the ECOWAS standby force’s endeavor to remove the recently established military leadership in Niger.
Addressing the media, General Secretary for the Council, Cyril G. K. Fayose, stressed the urgency for President Akufo-Addo to reconsider his current approach, urging him to halt and carefully consider the potential adverse consequences of the situation.
“The church is concerned because it a very delicate and complicated issue at this point. First of all any form of military intervension can have so many implications not only in Niger but the whole sub-regions. So it’s not only going to be go in there, get the military janta out and reinstating the president and then pack out,”he added.
Mr Fayose mentioned that proceeding without well-defined strategies could result in potential repercussions in the future.
The Council’s General Secretary emphasized their profound concern regarding the issue, highlighting its relevance to national interests.
“It is going to be a prolonged engagement, lives will be lost, there may be reprecurssions back here at home. People will flee the country and we will have to receive them etc. So I am in the opinion that we should explore all peaceful options before we can go in for a military intervention so the president…..”
He advocated for a renewed focus on peaceful approaches, acknowledging past unsuccessful attempts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to stabilize the situation.
Meanwhile, Parliament has reportedly summoned top military officials and heads of various security agencies within the country to address President Akufo-Addo‘s decision to deploy Ghanaian troops to Niger.
On August 10, 2023, ECOWAS held a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, led by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This session was a continuation of a prior one on July 30, 2023, in response to the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the Presidential Guard in Niger on July 26, 2023.
During the meeting, ECOWAS reiterated its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’état and the ongoing illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and government officials.
Parliament has reportedly summoned top military officials and heads of various security agencies within the country to address President Akufo-Addo‘s decision to deploy Ghanaian troops to Niger.
This deployment is part of the ECOWAS standby force’s effort to remove the newly established military leadership in Niger.
As per a report from JoyNews, the Defence and Interior Committee of parliament called upon the leaders of the Ghana Armed Forces and other security bodies to provide insights into the president’s alleged directive.
The meeting involved representatives from the Ghana Armed Forces, National Security, the Ministers of Defence and Interior, and leaders of the Ghana Police Service, among others.
The report highlighted that several issues were discussed, focusing on the constitutionality of Akufo-Addo’s choice to contribute troops to the ECOWAS standby force. It was also noted that Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution was a significant point of discussion during the meeting.
Article 40 outlines that the government shall, in its interactions with other nations:
(a) promote and safeguard the interests of Ghana; (b) pursue the establishment of a just and fair international economic and social order; (c) encourage respect for international law, treaty obligations, and the peaceful resolution of international conflicts; (d) uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth, the Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States, and any other international organization of which Ghana is a member.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of the Defence and Interior Committee and also the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, spoke with JoyNews after the meeting. He stated that specific details of the gathering would not be disclosed, but he indicated that the meeting was successful and part of a series of discussions.
Background: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered the deployment of a standby force to Niger. This decision was made by ECOWAS leaders during an Extraordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria on August 10, 2023. The summit was convened due to the alleged illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the Presidential Guard of Niger on July 26, 2023.
The communique issued by the ECOWAS Authority reiterated their strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’état and the ongoing unlawful detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and members of his government.
However, military leadership in Burkina Faso and Mali responded by warning that any forcible attempt to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum in neighboring Niger would be viewed as a declaration of war against them.
Numerous security experts have cautioned against the potential disastrous consequences of proceeding with the decision to deploy troops to Niger within the ECOWAS framework.
Top military leaders from the member countries of the West African economic and political coalition, ECOWAS, have rearranged their plans to convene in Accra sometime during the upcoming week.
As per a report by the BBC, the meeting is said to be focused on deliberations regarding a potential intervention in Niger, where a military junta seized power through a coup just last month.
Before an extraordinary session led by Heads of State, their previous assembly took place two weeks ago in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. During that meeting, diplomatic resolutions with the junta were highlighted, although the possibility of a military approach remained under consideration.
The following meeting of the army chiefs had earlier been delayed due to technical reasons.
Strong resistance against a military intervention in Niger has emerged, particularly in northern Nigeria and within the political sphere of Ghana.
During the weekend, a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic resolution to the Niger crisis emerged after a meeting between the leader of the junta, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, and a delegation of influential Islamic clerics, as reported by the BBC.
Earlier this week, the junta announced its intention to accuse democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum of treason, asserting that they possess substantial evidence to support his prosecution.
The move has been condemned by Ecowas and the UN.
The leader of Mali’s interim military government, from a neighboring nation, disclosed a phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin, wherein Putin emphasized the significance of achieving a peaceful resolution to the Niger crisis to enhance stability across the Sahel region.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has confirmed that he had a conversation with President Bola Tinubu regarding the ongoing developments in Niger.
The communication that took place on Monday marked the third exchange within three weeks between senior US officials and Abuja, following the seizure of power by coup leaders in the West African nation.
President Tinubu holds the position of chairman within the regional organization Ecowas, which is at the forefront of initiatives to restore the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Ecowas is also in the process of assembling troops for potential deployment of military force in Niamey.
Mr. Blinken said in a Twitter post that he had called President Tinubu to “commend his leadership of the Economic Community of West African States and discussed shared efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger.”
The US is one of many western nations with military installations in Niger, which is thought to be crucial in the struggle against the development of the Sahelian Islamist insurgency.
Many common people in West Africa are adamantly opposed to any military intervention in Niger, and there was a minor protest against the use of force over the weekend in Kano, the capital of northern Nigeria.
The shutdown of Niger’s airspace has caused a notable increase in the volume of flights utilizing Ghana’s airspace.
Since the military regime’s closure of Niger’s airspace on August 6, 2023, an analysis by AviationGhana of real-time flight data from Flightradar24 reveals that numerous European airlines have altered their flight paths to include Accra, Ghana, as a stopover on routes to key travel markets like Nigeria and other nations in Central and Southern Africa.
Mr. Francis Armah Mensah, President of the Ghana Air Traffic Controllers Association (GHATCA), confirmed this development to AviationGhana.
“The closure of the Nigerien Airspace is having an impact on the Accra Flight Information Region. We have more traffic routing our airspace now than ever. The situation has increased the workload on Air Traffic Controllers. In terms of revenue, it will boost our revenue,” Mr. Mensah said.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the regulator of the aviation sector, is poised to benefit from overflight charges.
For operators not conducting flights into Ghana, a scheduled overflight costs US$150 (per single request). Similarly, all non-scheduled flights passing through Ghana’s airspace are required to obtain a permit at least 72 hours before the intended flight date and pay the same fee.
The current closure of Niger’s airspace exacerbates flight difficulties across Africa, given that Sudan and Libya are designated “no-fly” zones for international flights due to instability in those regions.
The necessity to divert and reroute flights, especially those between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, has led to extended flight durations and heightened expenses for airlines.
To illustrate, an additional hour of travel time on a Boeing 777 translates to an extra consumption of 3,500 to 4,000 gallons of aviation fuel for the journey.
With today’s fuel price at US$1.993 per gallon, this results in an added expense ranging from US$6,975 to US$7,972 for airlines. These costs could potentially be passed on to passengers, leading to higher airfares.
Reportedly, the individuals who staged the coup in Niger are said to have agreed to engage in negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as confirmed by mediators.
This information was disclosed by the leader of a delegation of Islamic clerics, Nigerian Sheik Bala Lau, on Sunday following a meeting with Niger’s newly established leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
The Nigerian delegation journeyed to Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Saturday amidst escalating tensions between Niger and the ECOWAS group of states, currently under the leadership of Nigeria.
Sheik Lau mentioned that during the meeting, all topics were discussed, including ECOWAS’ demand for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power in the coup that occurred on July 26.
Tchiani reportedly assured the delegation that diplomatic and peaceful resolution avenues were open to address the matter. He also defended the motives behind the coup.
Until now, Niger’s new leadership has declined official delegations from ECOWAS. One delegation was forced to depart shortly after arriving at the airport, and another was barred from entering the country.
ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and has issued threats of force if the coup leaders do not restore President Bazoum to power.
On a related note, ECOWAS heads of state made the decision on Thursday to activate a standby force for the purpose of reinstating constitutional order in Niger. Simultaneously, efforts to find a peaceful solution were reaffirmed as a top priority.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has cautioned the current administration against sending Ghanaian troops to warring countries on the West African continent.
He accused the current administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of seriously making plans to deploy Ghanaian troops to Niger, as part of the standby force by the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) to remove the country’s new military leadership.
In a post shared on Facebook on Saturday, August 13, 2023, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said that President Akufo-Addo has a plan for Ghana’s contribution to ECOWAS’ military intervention in Niger, that has not been approved by the Parliament of Ghana.
He added that it would be irresponsible for the president to go ahead with his plans, which would likely lead to a war in West Africa, without consulting the people’s representatives.
“Akufo-Addo’s refusal to submit his Niger Policy to Parliament for thorough scrutiny by the people’s elected representatives is most undemocratic and awfully reckless.
“West African leaders who purport to be lecturing Niger on democracy must be seen leading by example at home.
“Ghana’s gallant soldiers must be kept far away from the looming bloodbath and escalating geopolitical confrontation which is bound to explode with far-reaching consequences for stability in an already volatile region,” he wrote.
The MP also said that the government is in no position to support the Ghana Armed Forces if the president goes ahead with his plan because the country is currently bankrupt.
He added that rather than waiting for coups to happen, ECOWAS leaders must wake up and take the needed steps to address the challenges facing the citizens of the member countries.
“Let’s shift focus from the symptoms and start addressing the real issues of bad leadership, corruption, endemic poverty, democracy that works only for a few cronies and fat cats, massive unemployment, lack of opportunity, state-capture, constitutional manipulation, compromised judiciaries, discredited institutions, neo-colonial exploitation, and a disunited Africa.”
The North Tongu legislator said that if nothing is done countries in the sub-region would continue to see military overtakes.
“Niger is not the first; and it may not be the last without an honest, appropriate, introspective, causative, leadership response,” he added.
Background:
The Authority of Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS) ordered the deployment of a standby force to Niger.
ECOWAS leaders gave the directive to the President of the Commission at Extraordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria on August 10, 2023.
The Extraordinary Summit was convened as a sequel to the recent one held on 30th July 2023, following what ECOWAS describes as the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the members of the Presidential Guard of the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023.
The communique issued by the Authority reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’etat and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family, and members of his government.
Meanwhile, the military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have said that any forcible attempt to restore President Mohamed Bazoum in neighbouring Niger will be seen as a declaration of war on them.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, participated in the ECOWAS meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
During this meeting, West African leaders discussed their next steps in response to the defiance of Niger’s military junta, which failed to meet their deadline for reinstating the ousted president.
However, experts suggest that the regional bloc, ECOWAS, might be running out of viable options as support for a military intervention wanes. (AP Photo/Gbemiga Olamikan)
In light of a military junta’s refusal to step down after seizing power through an undemocratic abduction of Niger’s president, West African nations have placed their armed forces on standby, prepared for a potential military intervention.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a coalition of 15 nations, convened on Thursday and issued a statement that strongly denounced the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.
While the final decision entails the readiness of troops that could potentially intervene in a matter of weeks, ECOWAS underscores its ongoing pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast confirmed his nation’s involvement in the operation, alongside Nigeria and Benin.
Ouattara informed reporters that the coup in Niger constitutes a “terrorist act” and highlighted that diplomatic negotiations with military leaders have so far yielded no progress.
“We cannot let this continue, we have to act,” Ouattara said. “We will not accept coup d’etats.”
Any military action could be dangerous for Bazoum. Military junta leader Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani has threatened to kill the abducted president if neighboring countries invade Niger.
Tchiani has refused diplomatic negotiations from the West, including officials from the State Department, and entrenched himself in power this week by appointing his own officials to lead the government.
The situation in Niger has quickly spiraled out of control since the coup in late July displaced Bazoum in the capital of Niamey. ECOWAS imposed a deadline on Sunday to release Bazoum, which the military junta ignored. Leaders instead closed all flights in and out of the country.
Tchiani has justified the overthrow by citing an economic crisis and soaring violence in the West African nation.
Some in Niger have supported the coup because of concerns about corruption during Bazoum’s administration, along with a compounding economic insecurity and violence crisis.
Two West African nations have also supported Niger’s military leaders, Burkina Faso and Mali. Their governments are military-led and suspended from ECOWAS membership. It’s unclear how both nations might respond to military intervention in Niger.
The African Union on Friday supported the ECOWAS activation of troops.
In a statement, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed “deep concern about the deterioration of the conditions of detention of President Mohamed Bazoum.”
“The Chairman of the Commission calls on the whole of the international community to unite all its concrete efforts to save the life and the moral and physical integrity of President Mohamed Bazoum,” he said.
As a consequence of the Benin border closure, a reported total of over 500 sacks of onions have succumbed to spoilage in the Ashanti region.
This border closure resulted in a significant delay in the transportation of these goods, spanning several days.
In response to this situation, onion vendors, as indicated by citinewsroom reports, have been left with no choice but to either discard the deteriorated onions or vend them at significantly reduced prices.
For instance, a sack of onions that had originally commanded a price of GH¢1,300 is now being retailed for as low as GH¢100 in certain markets within the Ashanti region.
Truck drivers have attributed their inability to traverse the Benin border with fully loaded trucks of onions and other edibles to the political tensions prevalent in Niger.
“We spent ten days at the Benin border, so the onions have turned bad. Onions start to go bad within four days. The Ghana Ambassador came to intervene, which is why we were allowed to pass through the border, but it was too late. We have lost a lot of money. About 220 bags of onions have all gone bad,”one of the truck drivers Seidu Sule was quoted by citinewsroom.com.
When some of the onion vendors were contacted, they revealed that their losses were millions of Ghanaian cedis.
“Sadness has befallen us. When you are approaching the market, you will smell the scent of the onions that have gone bad. This is due to our inability to reach here on time as a result of the closure of the border. We can’t calculate the amount lost as it stands now. An onion bag that used to be sold at GHS1,300 is now five bags being sold at GH¢150. We don’t know what we are going to do. We are calling on the government to come to our aid because it’s affecting us. We pay taxes,” an onion seller cried.
Another onion seller lamented, “I’m now selling a bag of onion for GH¢100, GH¢200, GH¢500. We have sent some to the refuse dump. I will not even get my principal, not to talk about my profits. We even sent money for additional trucks when we heard that the border was opened. And here we are with so much loss.”
Niger’s coup instigators have levied accusations against French forces, alleging that they freed detained “terrorists” and violated the country’s airspace ban with the intention of destabilizing Niger. However, France has swiftly refuted these claims.
The seizure of power by soldiers from the presidential guard on July 26, resulting in the detention of President Mohammad Bazoum, led to widespread international condemnation and the potential prospect of a military intervention by neighboring West African nations. Responding to these concerns, the coup leaders took the step of closing Niger’s airspace on Sunday and issued a warning against any form of foreign intervention.
In a video message delivered on Wednesday, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the coup leaders, alleged that France had released 16 “terrorist elements,” who subsequently regrouped to plot an attack on Nigerien military positions along the border.
The colonel further asserted that an assault was carried out against a unit of the National Guard at 6:30 a.m. (05:30 GMT) in Bourkou Bourkou, situated around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the Samira gold mine in the Tillaberi region.
In addition to these allegations, the colonel contended that a French military aircraft had violated the airspace ban imposed by Niger. France, however, has rejected these assertions outright.
“We are witnessing a real plan of destabilisation of our country, orchestrated by French forces,” Abdramane said. The spokesperson did not provide any evidence for the claims.
According to Reuters, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs disputed the charges and claimed that their aircraft movements were compliant with an earlier arrangement with Nigerien forces.
It stated that the legitimate authorities had asked for French troops to be stationed in Niger.
“No attack against a Nigerien camp took place,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
A French government official told the AFP news agency that “no terrorist has been freed by French forces.”
Experts have warned that a potential power vacuum in Niger could be exploited by armed groups.
“Tillaberi is an area where you see a lot of activities from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL,” said Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris reporting from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
“And this was feared since day one of the coup that some member of armed groups in the region may take advantage of what is happening,” Idris said.
ECOWAS emergency summit
Ahead of an emergency summit convened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the recent developments in Niger have heightened tensions. France, having historical ties as the former colonial power, maintains a substantial relationship with Niger, bolstered by the presence of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 French soldiers stationed in the country. However, the coup leaders have taken a stance against this, annulling five military cooperation agreements and suspending broadcasts from French international news outlets France 24 and RFI.
The coup leaders’ allegations regarding France’s involvement come just ahead of the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, which aims to address the crisis in Niger. During a preceding summit the prior week, ECOWAS cautioned that military intervention was possible and set a deadline of August 6 for the military to restore democratic governance and release President Bazoum. Despite the passage of this deadline, no military action was undertaken.
Bola Tinubu, the head of the regional bloc and also the president of Nigeria, ECOWAS’s most influential member, encountered resistance both domestically and internationally for raising the prospect of military intervention.
Interestingly, countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which faced ECOWAS suspensions due to previous coups, have voiced their support for the coup leaders in Niger.
The seizure of power in Niger marks the ninth coup within the Sahel region over the course of three years.
Executive Director for the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Chukwuemeka Eze, has raised concerns about the possibility of more military takeovers in Africa if the ongoing situation in Niger is not effectively addressed.
The warning comes as tensions continue to rise in the West African nation.
Mr Eze in an interview on JoyNews, emphasised the urgent need for swift and comprehensive action to prevent the situation from escalating further, stressing that the potential fallout from the situation could have far-reaching implications for the stability of the region.
“We did our analysis and we felt that there could be two more [situations] if nothing is done in Niger and that’s not a trajectory that we want to go again. This is becoming very very very worrisome,” he added.
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, has been grappling with political turmoil in recent months. The concerns stem from a combination of factors, including political dissent, economic challenges, and social unrest.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intervened in the situation and has ordered ‘immediate activation’ of the standby force in Niger to restore democracy.
Speaking on the development, the security analyst entreated ECOWAS to take decisive action in handling the crisis.
“I think the fundamentals for me is whether there’s an existing protocol that forbids the coup d’etat in West Africa and whether these countries actually have ascribe to it through their national government,” he said.
“The fact that we did not act in Burkina or Mali the way we should act, also tells me that lessons are being learnt,” he added.
The analyst’s earlier prediction hinges on the notion that if the situation in Niger is not adequately addressed, it could serve as a precedent for similar events in other parts of the African continent. Military takeovers have historically been a concern in various African nations, and the analyst’s warning underscores the need for regional and international stakeholders to engage diplomatically and collaboratively to mitigate the risk.
The stability of African countries is crucial not only for their citizens but also for regional peace and security. The analyst’s warning serves as a call to action for leaders, diplomats, and international organizations to work together to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger.
Three weeks ago, Badamasi Mohammed embarked on a journey from Maradi, the second-largest city in Niger, leaving behind his wife and two children, headed towards Kano, a city located about 300km away (186 miles) in northwestern Nigeria.
However, since August 5, the 30-year-old freight truck driver has found himself stranded along with more than 20 other trucks at the Jibiya border post in Katsina, the state that connects Kano to Niger, the French-speaking neighboring country.
Nigerian border authorities have prevented him from re-entering his homeland due to ongoing sanctions imposed on Niger following a coup that took place on July 26. This coup resulted in the ousting of Mohammed Bazoum, who had been Niger’s president since March 2021. In response to the coup, the conspirators also sealed the country’s borders.
Over the past seven days, Mohammed’s truck, parked at the border, has transformed into a makeshift bathroom, bedroom, walk-in closet, and overall multipurpose facility for him and his two assistants. To support him during this ordeal, his employer in Maradi had to send funds through currency exchange agents to the bank account of a point-of-sale attendant in Jibiya. This intermediary then provided cash to Mohammed.
The situation is beginning to take a toll on Mohammed, who serves as the primary provider for his family. He’s unable to earn the average of 40,000 CFA ($67.25) he used to make per freight. His only solace is that he ensured there was enough food back home for his family to sustain themselves during his absence.
“I am not happy being away from my family, I am tired of being here,” Mohammed told Al Jazeera. “Each time I speak to my family, they always ask if people are being killed over here. They are not happy,” he said.
Landlocked Niger shares borders with seven African countries but the 1,600km-long (994-mile-long) border with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is arguably its most important. More than a million people live along this stretch of land, and have shared commercial and cultural ties for centuries. Most of them are Hausa, the largest ethnic group in both countries.
The aftermath of the July 26 coup is now testing those ties as its effects spill across the borders from Niger, where life has also changed for everyone.
A flurry of sanctions Bazoum’s election was the first civilian-to-civilian transition in Niger since its independence in 1960 and in two years in office. His detention by members of his presidential guard and subsequent removal was the seventh coup across West and Central Africa in three years.
The coup also hurt the image of a country once seen as a reliable ally for the West in the Sahel, a region blighted by expansionist armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS (ISIL).
ECOWAS convened an emergency summit to determine an appropriate response.
The 15-member regional bloc swiftly imposed sanctions on Niger including the closure of land and air borders and giving a seven-day ultimatum to the coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum or face the potential use of force.
Multiple Western countries also cut funding to Niger, one of the largest by landmass – yet poorest – countries in the world, which relies on external aid for up to half of its budget.
Niger, the largest recipient of foreign in West Africa after Nigeria, received $1.8bn in aid in 2021 alone, according to figures from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
So far, the coup leaders have defied them and the bloc, rallying support in Niamey, the capital even on August 6, the day the ultimatum expired. A 21-person cabinet was also announced late on Wednesday by the coup leaders on the eve of another summit by ECOWAS.
At the grassroots, the impasse is already affecting Niger’s 25 million people, half of whom live below the poverty line earning less than $2.15 a day.
Nigeria also cut the power supply to its neighbour, which depends on it for as much as 70 percent of its electricity. And food prices, already on the rise because of complications in global supply since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have risen yet again.
The post-coup sanctions and cessation of subsidies could hurt a country struggling with food security and one of the worst ratings on the human development indices in the world, experts said.
Mihidi Ameride works as a field officer at Projet Filets Sociaux (Safety Net Project), a project funded jointly by the World Bank and the Niger government.
His project caters to vulnerable and rural populations in 40 Nigerien communities through cash transfers and a cash-for-work (CFW) scheme. It also supports women artisans and keeps girls in school through scholarships.
Now that the World Bank has suspended aid to Niger, 66,000 households will be affected when the project ends, Ameride told Al Jazeera.
“There is great concern about the food security of populations subject to robbery, banditry and … personally, I’m affected, because my life depends on the sustainability of the project. It’s the only thing I do for a living,” Ameride said.
“I’m all for democracy and a coup d’état is not a good solution for an already poor country like Niger.”
The bloc also imposed sanctions on Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, but lifted them later. The three nations have remained under military rule, and there has been a growing sense among international observers that sanctions were not working as a deterrent across the region.
“[The] junta will also be well aware that in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, similar sanctions were also applied in the immediate aftermaths of coup d’etats but were later rescinded after these junta governments disclosed a transitional timetable and released all imprisoned politicians,” said Ryan Cummings, director of analysis at Johannesburg-based Risk Signal consultancy.
“It is tough to say that the sanctions are working [to end coups],” he added. “If anything, their application has emboldened the CNSP putschists who are undertaking mechanisms to entrench their rule, particularly in terms of creating a government with civilian inclusion so as to purchase this dispensation some legitimacy.”
Still, the effect of the sanctions could lead to significant inflationary pressures which will affect the country’s population, since Niger lacks the fiscal leeway to offset these cost-of-living pressures over the near-to-medium term.
‘No one is happy’ Back at the borders between Nigeria and Niger, both countries are fully enforcing the “no entry- no exit” directive. Nigerian journalists were advised not to cross into Niger, as the relations between border officials of both countries had started to go sour as a result of the sanctions.
Commercial activities at the borders – including Jibiya, the busiest between both countries – have come to a halt with small business owners lamenting the adverse effects on their businesses. Nigeriens at the borders get most of their basic supplies from Nigeria; with zero movement, people in dire need are having to either crawl through the bushes or use a few unmanned crossings.
Cummings predicted that the Niger coup would likely play out in the same manner as other putschists in the West African region and called for diplomacy to avoid a conflict that could spread across the region and benefit armed non-state actors.
“To this effect, the junta will likely provide the international community, particularly ECOWAS, with some concessions. This may be the release of Bazoum – who is likely being held as a bargaining chip – and the provision of a transitional timetable which outlines the country’s return to constitutional rule,” he said.
Gbemisola Animasawun, associate professor at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, said there is a need for the deadlock to be resolved because Niger was already in a “pitiable situation”.
However, there will be an overlapping effect for both Niger and Nigeria because the borders only exist in the minds of the state actors, he added.
“War is not an option whether directly or by proxy. Stakeholders must engage the coup leader and develop a transition plan,” Animasawun told Al Jazeera.
For Mohammed who is apolitical and has not voted in the last three Nigerien elections, the conflict cannot end soon enough. He is already planning to find a way through one of the smuggling routes into Maradi.
“I am not happy and no one is happy,” he said. “Only God knows the best.” Freight trucks parked at the Jibiya border between Nigeria and Niger on August 10, 2023, due to the closure of borders between both countries
On Thursday, West African leaders heightened their condemnation of the coup leaders in Niger, revealing plans to activate and deploy a regional standby force in order to restore the nation’s constitutional order after the recent coup.
Convening in Abuja, Nigeria after the lapse of the one-week ultimatum given to Niger’s military junta, representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged the deployment of this force “to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger,” as conveyed in a statement read by Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The exact scope and nature of this “deployment” and “activation” remain unclear. The statement underscored a commitment to maintain all options open for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Niger has plunged into a state of political turmoil since late last month when President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup orchestrated by the presidential guard. In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions and issued a one-week ultimatum to the ruling military junta, demanding their relinquishment of power or facing potential military intervention.
Despite the deadline expiring on August 6 without any change in the political landscape, ECOWAS leaders emphasized their preference for a diplomatic resolution and proposed military intervention as a last resort.
The regional bloc vowed to uphold the measures and principles agreed upon during the extraordinary summit held on July 30, 2023, during which severe sanctions were levied against Niger’s military junta.
Touray additionally cautioned about consequences for “member states that, directly or indirectly, impede the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
Mali and Burkina Faso, both led by military officials who have seized power, expressed solidarity with Niger’s junta and cautioned that any military interference would be interpreted as a declaration of war. Guinea also voiced its support for Niger.
Niger’s armed forces seemed to be gearing up for potential military action this week, as reported by a military source to CNN.
A convoy comprising approximately 40 pickup trucks arrived in the capital after nightfall on Sunday, ferrying troops from various parts of the country.
