The National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, has voiced disappointment regarding President Akufo-Addo’s approach to the Niger coup issue.
In an official statement, the NDC made clear its non-support for hastily involving brave Ghanaian soldiers in any impulsive and poorly thought-out actions.
The NDC firmly believes that the pursuit of productive dialogue and skillful diplomacy should be continued.
“The NDC finds President Akufo-Addo‘s conduct deeply disheartening. His failure to present this crucial matter for parliamentary deliberation denies him a legitimate democratic mandate from the Ghanaian people’s representatives, which is essential for determining the country’s best interests.”
The NDC emphasizes the need for broader bipartisan consultations to establish a unified Ghanaian stance on such a sensitive issue.
The General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated “President Akufo-Addo’s actions stand in contrast to his attempts to educate other nations about democracy. His consistent disregard for constitutional and democratic channels to shape Ghana’s stance on critical matters of this kind is concerning.”
Minority in Parliament, has contended that the border closure in Niger due to the military coup has highlighted the government’s significant shortcomings in its Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) policy.
Ghanaian onion traders stranded at the Benin border have urgently called on President Akufo-Addo to step in and facilitate the release of approximately 70 trucks carrying onions from Niger to Ghana via Benin.
The closure of the border as a result of the Niger coup has left these trucks and drivers immobilized at the border for several weeks.
The Ranking Member on the Food and Agriculture Committee of Parliament, Eric Opoku, responded to the situation by criticizing the government’s decision to import vegetables that were intended to be produced under the Planting for Food and Jobs program.
Opoku noted, “We are clearly unable to meet the local demand for onions in Ghana. Consequently, we heavily rely on onion imports from Niger, spending over $100 million annually. The coup in Niger and the subsequent border closure are significantly impacting traders.”
He continued, “I’ve previously stated that the Planting for Food and Jobs program has been a glaring failure. Despite substantial investment, the outcomes are negligible. Items designated under the program are still being imported in large quantities.”
Political turmoil in Niger has led to substantial price hikes in vegetables, with vegetable bags now priced between GH¢1,500 and GH¢1,600.
Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that prices could surge to GH¢3,000-GH¢4,000 if the situation is not promptly addressed.
Onion vendors in Ghana have reached out to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, appealing for his intervention to facilitate the release of their stranded trucks from Niger.
Their concern stems from the apprehension that failure to release these trucks could trigger a surge in onion prices.
Numerous truckloads of onions currently remain held at Ghana’s northern border due to the prevailing military takeover in Niger, which has led to the imposition of ECOWAS sanctions on the country.
The onion truck drivers have found themselves in a state of limbo for several days at the border due to the enforced closure of both land and air borders between ECOWAS member states and Niger.
The leader of the Accra Onion Importer Association, Sani Abubakar, emphasized that the anticipated outcome could entail a significant rise in onion prices, potentially leading to a shortage in supply.
During a media engagement he indicated that “For now, we are at a loss, we have a lot of trucks stuck at the border. Some are at the Mali border, Burkina Faso, and Benin so we are appealing to the government to intervene. If care is not taken we are going to sell one bag of onion at 3000 cedis.”
Presently, a sack of onions is being retailed within the price range of ¢1,300 to ¢25,000, which contrasts with the previous rate of ¢1,000 cedis.
In light of this circumstance, Dr. Charles Nyaaba, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, emphasized that the prevailing political instability in Niger is bound to exert an impact on the inflow of onions and other essential commodities into Ghana.
Dr. Nyaaba further noted that the state of affairs in Niger is anticipated to have repercussions on the importation of livestock into Ghana.
During an appearance on the Ghana Tonight show aired on TV3 on Tuesday, August 8, he underscored the potential consequences of the situation,
Presently, a sack of onions is being retailed within the price range of ¢1,300 to ¢25,000, which contrasts with the previous rate of ¢1,000 cedis.
In light of this circumstance, Dr. Charles Nyaaba, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, emphasized that the prevailing political instability in Niger is bound to exert an impact on the inflow of onions and other essential commodities into Ghana.
Dr. Nyaaba further noted that the state of affairs in Niger is anticipated to have repercussions on the importation of livestock into Ghana.
During an appearance on the Ghana Tonight show aired on TV3 on Tuesday, August 8, he underscored the potential consequences of the situation
Mr. Nyaaba also indicated that although Ghanaian farmers are producing these commodities, the local production is not enough to meet the demand on the market, hence the reliance on neighboring countries.
He said “In Ghana, it is not the case that we don’t have the potential to produce the same. When you take onions, which we are getting 100 percent from Niger, we also get seeds from Niger.
“…When there is no water, you can’t produce onions. So if you look at the farmers who produce onions, most of them are from the White Volta basin around Bawku, Zebilla, Bolgatanga, they produce the bulk of the onions, but is still highly insignificant to meet our consumption.”
A former politician and rebel leader in Niger has started a movement opposing the military government that seized control in a coup on July 26. This is the first indication of internal opposition to army rule in the crucial Sahel nation.
Rhissa Ag Boula’s new Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR), which was announced on Wednesday, intends to bring back ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held captive at his home since the takeover.
“Niger is the victim of a tragedy orchestrated by people charged with protecting it,” the statement said.
Following the military government’s rejection of the most recent diplomatic mission from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), diplomatic efforts to undo the coup have halted.
In response to demands to talk before a summit on Thursday where the chiefs of state from the ECOWAS will discuss the use of force, the coup leaders in Niger on Tuesday refused entrance to African and UN envoys.
In a statement, Ag Boula stated that it would make itself accessible to ECOWAS for any constructive purpose and that it supports the organization as well as any other foreign actors attempting to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Another CRR member said several Nigerien political figures had joined the group but could not make their allegiance public for safety reasons.
Ag Boula played a leading role in uprisings by Tuaregs, a nomadic ethnic group present in Niger’s desert north, in the 1990s and 2000s. Like many former rebels, he was integrated into government under Bazoum and his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou.
While the extent of support for the CRR is unclear, Ag Boula’s statement will worry the coup leaders given his influence among Tuaregs who control commerce and politics in much of the vast north. Support from Tuaregs would be key to securing the military government’s control beyond Niamey’s city limits.
Democratic ECOWAS member states such as Nigeria want the reinstatement of the civilian government that had been relatively successful in containing a deadly campaign by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) which has devastated the Sahel region.
Mutinous soldiers detained Bazoum and seized power on July 26, claiming they could do a better job at protecting the nation from the violence.
The coup comes as a blow to many countries in the West, which saw Niger as one of the last democratic partners in the region against the expansionist threat of armed groups. Niger also matters to the global market on various fronts, including its 5 percent share of the global supply of uranium.
Video Duration 04 minutes 30 secondsNiger coup leaders rebuff overtures backed by US, UN & AU to talk
Complex diplomatic picture
The coup has already led to border and airspace closures that have cut off supplies of medicine and food, hampering humanitarian aid in one of the world’s poorest countries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said late on Tuesday that he had spoken to Bazoum to express continued efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“The United States reiterates our call for the immediate release of him and his family,” he posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Spoke to Nigerien President Bazoum to express our continued efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the current constitutional crisis. The United States reiterates our call for the immediate release of him and his family.
Nigeria’s President and ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu imposed more sanctions on Niger on Tuesday, aimed at squeezing entities and individuals involved in the takeover, and said all options were still on the table.
ECOWAS has said the use of force would be the last resort. The bloc’s defence chiefs have agreed on a possible military action plan, which heads of state will discuss at their summit on Thursday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
But Mali and Burkina Faso, ECOWAS members that have rejected Western allies since their own military took power in coups in the past three years, have promised to defend Niger’s new army rulers from any forceful attempt to remove them.
In a letter to the UN, they called on the Security Council to prevent any armed action against Niger, saying it would have unpredictable consequences such as the break-up of ECOWAS, a humanitarian disaster, and a worsening security situation.
Accusing Western powers of using ECOWAS as a proxy to conceal a hostile agenda towards Niger, they said they were committed to finding solutions through diplomacy and negotiation.
Mali and Burkina Faso previously said they would treat any military intervention in Niger as an act of war.
Further complicating the diplomatic picture is the influence of Russia in the Sahel region, which Western powers fear could grow stronger if the military government in Niger follows Mali’s example by throwing out Western troops and inviting in Wagner mercenaries.
Niger currently hosts US, French, German and Italian troops under agreements made with the now-deposed civilian government.
Numerous airlines have experienced longer and more fuel-intensive flights as a result of the shutdown of Niger‘s airspace since Sunday.
For most trips from Europe to the south of the continent, it adds at least two hours to the travel time or up to 1,000 kilometres (600 miles).
Following a threat of military action from the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, if President Mohamed Bazoum was not restored, Niger’s junta shut down the airspace.
While some flights were already in the air and required rerouting, others had to fly back to their departure points as a result of the announcement.
“We had retired to bed… The captain awakened us up about four hours later and informed us that we had to return since Niger had closed its airspace. Simply put, there wasn’t enough fuel for everyone. Therefore, we were forced to return, which was a pretty awful sensation, she stated.
Airspace over Libya and the Sudan had previously been avoided by aircraft.
Flights were prohibited from Sudan after the country’s turmoil.
In addition to the US and Canada, other European nations, notably Germany, France, and the UK, forbid their civilian planes from flying in Libyan airspace.
Airlines will now need to modify their procedures to account for the additional miles added to their flights. which will result in each flight requiring more fuel, leading to the cost.
The former colonial power France is being accused of attempting to undermine Niger by the country’s military dictatorship.
It claimed that a French aircraft had violated the country’s closed airspace.
Additionally, it claimed that in order to assault military targets, French soldiers had released detained jihadists.
The French government has not yet responded.
Mohamed Bazoum, the legitimately elected president of Niger, was deposed at the end of last month, and since then, the coup leaders have resisted diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had claimed to have spoken with Mr. Bazoum and given him assurances of continued support.
On Thursday, the regional bloc Ecowas, which has threatened military involvement, is expected to convene to discuss its next course of action.
Onion prices are now up in Ghana as a result of the border closure imposed by ECOWAS on Niger following a coup d’état last week.
This has affected the supply of onions from Niger, which accounts for about 70 per cent of Ghana’s imports.
Onion sellers in Ghana are worried about the potential shortage and have appealed to the government to create conditions that enable large-scale onion farming in the country to avert such situations in the future.
Onions are not only a popular and versatile vegetable, but also a nutritious and beneficial one. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. They may help lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
A deficiency of onions in one’s diet may lead to reduced immunity, increased inflammation, impaired blood sugar regulation, and decreased bone density. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate consumption of onions for optimal health.
The onion sellers hope that the political situation in Niger will be resolved peacefully and that the border restrictions will be lifted soon. They also hope that the government will support them to increase their local production and reduce their dependence on imports.
Ghanaian onion sellers are facing the prospect of a supply crunch and a price hike as a result of the border restrictions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Niger following a coup d’état last week.
The coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and put Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane in charge of a military junta, has triggered international condemnation and sanctions from ECOWAS, which include closing land and air borders, suspending commercial and financial transactions, and instituting a no-fly zone.
Niger is a major source of onions for Ghana, accounting for about 70 per cent of its imports. The other suppliers are Nigeria (20 per cent), Burkina Faso (five per cent), and local production (five per cent).
Mr Ali Umar, Public Relations Officer of the Onion Sellers Association of Ghana, told the Ghana News Agency that the border closure would have a negative impact on their business.
“If Niger’s borders remain closed for long, it will really affect our onion business. It will lead to hikes in prices,” he said.
He added that onion was a perishable commodity and that he hoped there would be some exemptions for it to be imported into Ghana amid the restrictions.
Niger is a major source of onions for Ghana
He said that in previous instances of border closures, especially in Burkina Faso, some commodities, especially onions, were allowed to move across.
He also said that Ghana was the largest exporter of salt to Niger and that the border closure would affect that trade as well.
“The countries should be able to negotiate so that foodstuffs can be distributed between Niger and the rest of the West African sub-region because people will need to eat to survive. If there is no movement of goods, there is going to be hardship,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Doni-Kwame, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Ghana, said the border closure meant that other producers of onions would have to increase their output to fill the gap.
He said it was an opportunity for Ghana to boost its local production of onions and reduce its dependence on imports, and that if the gap was not filled, it would result in increased prices for consumers.
He expressed concern about the political situation in Niger and its implications for regional stability and security.
“The most important thing is to make sure there is enough security, there is respect for rule of law and human rights, and to make sure the economic system is not disrupted,” he said.
Niger is a key ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militancy in West Africa. It faces two insurgencies from groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State in its south-eastern and south-western regions.
President Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021, is a close friend of France and other Western nations.
He has received support from the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union.
However, some of Niger’s neighbours, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also experienced coups in recent years, have defended the coup in Niger and even hinted at war.
They have also aligned themselves with Russia’s Wagner Group, a private military contractor that has been accused of human rights violations.
Niger has experienced four coups since independence from France in 1960. The latest coup attempt comes two days before Bazoum’s inauguration. His whereabouts are unclear, but he has tweeted that he is well and that his supporters will safeguard democracy.
Niger’s military administration has rebuffed the recent diplomatic endeavor by African nations aimed at reinstating constitutional order following the July 26 coup. This rejection stands in defiance against pressure from both the United States and the United Nations to engage in negotiations.
Reports from the French publication Jeune Afrique reveal that the African Union (AU) had intended to dispatch a collaborative mission involving representatives from the United Nations and the West African ECOWAS bloc to Niger on Tuesday. However, the military government withheld permission and also imposed a closure on Niger’s airspace.
Leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are gearing up for a summit scheduled for Thursday, where they plan to address the impasse with Niger’s coup leaders. These leaders have defied a Sunday ultimatum to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Although discussions on the potential for military intervention are on the agenda, ECOWAS emphasizes that this is considered a final option.
An AU spokesperson has confirmed the denial of mission access to Reuters, while ECOWAS has chosen not to comment on the matter. The coup leaders had previously declined interactions with a high-ranking US representative and another delegation from ECOWAS that had attempted to negotiate.
During Bazoum’s tenure, Niger made significant progress in containing a violent insurgency that had ravaged the Sahel region. The nation also held strategic importance as a key Western ally, particularly after its neighboring countries distanced themselves from their former colonial patron France in favor of Russia.
Niger’s status as the seventh-largest global producer of uranium, a vital fuel for nuclear energy, adds to its strategic significance.
“There’s no doubt that diplomacy is the best way to resolve this situation,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told French radio station RFI on Tuesday.
He mentioned that the support of the United States was behind ECOWAS’s endeavors to reinstate order. However, he refrained from discussing the fate of the 1,100 US troops stationed in Niger, a location where troops from France, Germany, and Italy are also present.
The United Nations conveyed that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vehemently endorsed mediation efforts undertaken by ECOWAS.
On Friday, the defense chiefs of ECOWAS reached a consensus on a potential military action strategy, which is anticipated to be deliberated by their respective heads of state during the upcoming summit in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
In response, the West African bloc has enforced sanctions on Niger, with its Western allies opting to suspend aid.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State of the US, Victoria Nuland, embarked on a journey to Niamey on Monday. Regrettably, she was denied authorization to meet with coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani or detained President Bazoum. Instead, she engaged in a two-hour conversation with other senior army officers.
“These conversations were extremely frank and at times quite difficult because, again, we’re pushing for a negotiated solution. … They are quite firm in their view of how they want to proceed, and it does not comport with the Constitution of Niger,” Nuland told reporters.
In the preceding week, ECOWAS dispatched a delegation to Niamey under the leadership of Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military leader of Nigeria. However, Tchiani declined to meet with him.
In stark contrast, Tchiani engaged in a meeting on Monday with a united delegation hailing from Mali and Burkina Faso. These are neighboring nations where the military has similarly taken control from civilian governments. The military regimes in these two countries have openly expressed their solidarity with the coup in Niger.
“We will not accept military intervention in Niger. Our survival depends on it,” Abdoulaye Maiga, a spokesman for Mali’s military government, said in an appearance on Niger state television.
Western allies worry that Niger might follow Mali’s example, where a military government overthrew French soldiers and UN forces in 2021 and welcomed in mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner Group in their place.
Hundreds of people were executed last year by fighters thought to be from Wagner working with the Malian army in a savage military attack, according to witnesses and rights organizations. Wagner and the army refute the accusations.
Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, has replied to criticism on the choice to consider a potential military intervention in Niger following the coup last month.
He claimed that the Ecowas regional bloc made this decision, not Nigeria, along with the demand that the leaders of the military coup in Niger restore the expelled president.
It happens at a time when Mr. Tinubu, who is also the current chairman of Ecowas, is facing criticism for allegedly advocating military intervention in Niger.
The president “has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued by Ecowas is that of Ecowas’ position,” according to a spokesperson for the Nigerian government.
The representative also claims that Ecowas is responsible for Niger’s financial sanctions in a statement.
Ecowas previously stated that it favours a diplomatic and political solution that restores Mohamed Bazoum to his position as the elected president of Niger. If the junta continues to be obstinate, it was stated that a military intervention would be the “last resort.”
Following the Ecowas deadline’s expiration on Sunday, the Ecowas heads of state will meet on Thursday in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to discuss the best course of action for Niger.
Just hours after the military junta in charge of the country rejected an important regional bloc’s deadline to surrender control, a military source informed CNN that Niger’s armed forces have started deploying reinforcements to the capital in preparation for a potential military intervention.
Around 40 pick-up trucks came in a convoy at dusk on Sunday night, carrying troops from other regions of the nation to comfort a worried populace and be ready for a possible conflict.
Since late last month, when the presidential guard overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup d’état, Niger has been mired in political upheaval. Days thereafter, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reacted by imposing sanctions and giving the military junta in power a week to abdicate or risk military intervention.
Sunday came and went without any political shift as a result of that deadline. Bazoum is still in exile, and nobody knows for sure where he is. The junta’s official name, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, continues to effectively rule Niger. According to a junta leader, Niger’s armed forces would close the nation’s airspace owing to the possibility of military involvement.
It’s not obvious what happens next. Although the leaders of ECOWAS have stated that they prefer a peaceful resolution to the issue, they have also stated that they are willing to use force as a last resort to restore the democratically elected government of Niger. On Thursday, the group will meet once more to discuss the situation.
The capital, Niamey, has been shaken by the uncertainty. While others tried to evacuate, other individuals flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials like rice and cooking oil. Most lines out of the capital, according to local bus company employees, were fully packed.
On Monday, many customers purchasing food and supplies at the crowded Wadata market, located east of the capital’s core, expressed concern about what might happen.
Mariama Sabo, a 31-year-old cleaner, said, “Our country is on the verge of descending into a crisis that we have never encountered. We’re genuinely terrified.
Fruit vendor Salifou, 27, was concerned for his company’s future. Even though the border between the two countries is currently blocked, he imports his produce from Benin.
Salifou stated, “My stock is completely depleted and that really worries me.”
Concerns about the rising price of food were voiced by others.
A woman by the name of Salamatou remarked, “The authorities should show some sense of responsibility towards us or else it will be difficult.” “They need to bring peace and lower prices at the same time.”
Meanwhile, pro-junta protesters gathered on Sunday in a 30,000-seat stadium in Niamey to declare their allegiance to the military regime and opposition to ECOWAS sanctions.
Niger is still one of the world’s poorest nations despite having a plethora of natural resources. Many Nigerians, especially the younger generation, continue to blame France, an imperial power, for the country’s persistent poverty. Those who support the new military government see it as a chance to break diplomatic ties with French influence.
A bricklayer named Ali Maikano who resides in the nation’s capital declared he was prepared to fight alongside the army to oppose French interests there.
At the Wadata market, Maikano told CNN, “Enough is enough, we’ve suffered a lot under this regime that’s given everything to France, and we’re not afraid of ECOWAS or anyone else.”
The democratic neighbours and Western allies of Niger are particularly interested in the future of the country’s elected administration. On the grounds that Niger was a reasonably stable democracy in a region rife with political unrest, terrorism, and Islamist insurgencies, the United States and France stationed hundreds of troops, many of whom support counterterrorism activities.
Russia has tried to use the geopolitical crisis in West Africa in recent years to increase its power and influence, particularly through the mercenary company Wagner. Wagner has operations in a number of nations, including the neighbouring Mali, where a military coup in 2021 resulted in the establishment of a military government. Wagner soldiers have been hired to repress resistance and support local defence forces in their fight against uprisings and insurrections.
Wagner made contact with the coup leaders in Niger, according to the French Foreign Ministry, but it was not apparent if the two parties were working towards a cooperation.
According to a ministry spokesperson, “We can see that Wagner is in an opportunistic and predatory logic, so they may be tempted to take advantage of the whole situation.”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, appeared to pitch the private military business to the new government of Niger shortly after the coup was carried out.
Given the vulnerability of West African democracies like those in Mali and Burkina Faso, where a coup occurred in 2022, Niger’s democratic neighbours are concerned that the coup could have a cascading effect.
Currently, both nations are supporting the junta in Niger. They said last week that any military action in Niger would be viewed as “an act of war” against all three nations.
According to the Malian Armed Forces, both nations are sending delegations to the Nigerian capital Niamey “in solidarity with the people of Niger.”
Regarding sending delegations to Niger, Burkina Faso has not yet made any public statements, and the country’s ministry of foreign affairs has not yet acknowledged CNN’s request for confirmation of their attendance.
France has opted to suspend all forms of developmental aid and financial support for Burkina Faso.
This decision follows a declaration from Burkina Faso’s military regime, affirming that they would perceive any form of armed intervention against the coup leaders in neighboring Niger as a declaration of war. A similar stance has been taken by the military government in Mali.
This development coincides with the expiration of a deadline set by the West African bloc Ecowas for the military coup leaders in Niger to reinstate constitutional order and restore the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
As of Sunday evening, Ecowas has not issued a statement regarding its forthcoming actions, which could involve military intervention.
The coalition had previously communicated that such intervention would be considered a “last option” if all diplomatic and political alternatives prove ineffective.
The culmination of months of tension between President Mohamed Bazoum and his chief guard drove the coup in Niger. Individuals familiar with the situation stated that this friction stemmed from Bazoum’s attempts to escape the shadow of his predecessor.
Since assuming office in 2021, succeeding his political mentor Mahamadou Issoufou, Bazoum aimed to assert his dominance over the West African nation. This endeavor involved sidelining influential figures in both the military and public administration. However, this assertiveness eventually led to his downfall.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the influential presidential guard, sensed the possibility of his own sidelining and subsequently turned against Bazoum. Tiani believed that other military commanders would eventually align with his cause. This account of the coup’s unfolding is drawn from insights gleaned from 15 interviews conducted with Nigerien security officials, politicians, as well as current and former Western government officials.
Neither Tiani nor Bazoum could be reached for comment. In his first statement following the July 26 coup, Tiani claimed to have removed the president for the nation’s benefit.
After ascending to power, Bazoum bolstered military cooperation with France and the United States, restricted the autonomy of Nigerien army commanders, and initiated anti-corruption campaigns targeting associates of Issoufou, notably within the oil sector. This approach led to the formation of adversaries.
Tiani, who had served as the head of Issoufou’s guard for a decade and played a role in foiling a coup shortly before Bazoum’s rise to power, continued in his role under the new president. He commanded Niamey’s most formidable and well-equipped force.
However, in recent months, Bazoum reduced the size of the presidential guard, which consisted of about 700 members during the coup. Additionally, he began scrutinizing the guard’s budget.
Eager to secure his position, Tiani, a figure who had risen through the ranks and been bestowed the rank of general by Issoufou, discreetly discussed his coup plans with select commanders. This was an effort to ensure that other military branches would not resist him, as per individuals familiar with the coup plotter’s thinking.
Reuters could not ascertain which commanders were briefed by Tiani.
Moreover, Tiani strategically waited until a substantial number of troops had been dispatched from Niamey to Diffa, a remote location 20 hours away in southeastern Niger. This move coincided with the Independence Day celebrations slated for August 3, according to information from two sources.
Collision Course
On July 27, a day after Tiani’s presidential guard detained Bazoum at his residence, Niger’s army command announced its support for the coup, aiming to avoid a potentially lethal conflict between different factions.
Spokespersons for the junta and the army command did not respond to messages seeking comment.
However, the ongoing internal resistance to Tiani assuming the role of head of state dwindled. Yet, the new administration of the country is still heading for a confrontation with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This marks the fifth coup in Niger within the last 50 years and deals a blow to former colonial power France and the United States. These nations maintain over 2,000 troops in the country, utilizing it as a base for counteracting jihadists in the expansive and unstable Sahel region.
This coup follows military takeovers in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso over the past three years, which prompted France to withdraw thousands of troops. This move allowed Russia to increase its influence in the region.
It remains unclear from the Reuters interviews whether Tiani had discussed his plans with Issoufou, a towering political figure in West Africa who wields significant sway in Niger.
Issoufou was elected in 2011, a year following a previous military coup. He garnered praise for voluntarily stepping down in 2021 after two terms, facilitating the first democratic transition to a new leader in Niger since independence.
Speculation circulated in the capital after the coup, as Issoufou remained silent for several days, suggesting he might have been aware of Tiani’s intentions.
Issoufou had grown increasingly frustrated with Bazoum’s attempts to chart his own course, according to individuals familiar with the matter. Two allies of Issoufou recalled hearing him voice dissatisfaction with Bazoum’s reluctance to heed his advice on governing the country, particularly in the oil sector.
Reuters was unable to reach Issoufou for comment. A person close to the former president stated that he initially refrained from publicly discussing the rebellion due to his efforts to mediate between Tiani and Bazoum.
This individual, who chose not to be identified, denied any involvement of Issoufou in the coup. They pointed to the junta’s decision to apprehend his son, the oil and energy minister, on July 31, as evidence that the former president did not collude with Tiani.
On July 30, four days into the coup, Issoufou broke his silence. He used social media to indicate his involvement in mediation efforts and called for Bazoum’s reinstatement.
Issoufou has since provided no further information about his activities.
Safe Room
July 26 commenced as a routine day for Bazoum. He began with breakfast at his residence, situated within the compound of the presidential guard in central Niamey. According to various current and former Western officials who spoke with the president by phone afterward, Bazoum was preparing to proceed to his nearby office when he sensed something amiss: Tiani’s soldiers had encircled his home. Responding to this situation, the president promptly retreated to the residence’s secure room, equipped with confidential communications.
After several hours passed without any signs of rescue, Bazoum rejoined his family in the main part of the residence, which remained besieged.
Following the detention of Bazoum, Tiani instructed General Salifou Mody, who had previously been stripped of his role as chief of staff of the Niger Armed Forces by the president in April, to liaise with other branches of the security services and secure their support. This directive was relayed by four sources familiar with the matter.
Mody, designated as Niger’s representative to the United Arab Emirates in June—an assignment widely perceived as a demotion—nevertheless remained in Niger and did not undertake the new role. It is unclear whether Mody, listed as a deputy to Tiani in the junta’s organizational chart, was one of the few commanders briefed before the coup. Reuters was unable to reach Mody for comment.
Simultaneously, as news of the coup circulated within Niamey, former president Issoufou contacted Tiani. He extended an offer to mediate, as shared by two sources familiar with the situation. Subsequently, Issoufou met with Bazoum, sharing his assessment that Tiani had succumbed to a “mood swing,” a condition he believed he could help resolve, according to a person close to Issoufou.
As the events unfolded, with Niger’s prime minister absent from the country, Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou took the lead in attempting to secure Bazoum’s release, according to individuals with knowledge of the matter. Massaoudou did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Around midday on July 26, a social media post from an account linked to the Nigerien presidency assured the public that Bazoum and his family were safe. The post conveyed that the army and national guard were prepared to confront the rebellious soldiers if they did not stand down.
Subsequently, hundreds of Bazoum’s supporters gathered at a central square in Niamey, later marching towards the presidential palace. These demonstrators called for the mutineers to release the president and return to their barracks.
Later that day, National Guard troops assumed positions around the compound where Bazoum was held. However, at approximately 9 p.m., the mutineers broadcasted a video on state television. A little-known colonel, Amadou Abdramane, clad in a blue military jacket and flanked by nine officers, announced that Bazoum had been ousted from power. The video also declared the suspension of all institutions of the republic and the closure of Niger’s borders.
The group comprised members from nearly all branches of Niger’s security apparatus, including the police, army, air force, and presidential guard. Ahmad Sidien, second-in-command of the National Guard, was also present.
On the subsequent day, the Nigerien military command declared support for the junta, and the National Guard lifted its siege of the presidential guard compound—aligning with Tiani’s intended outcome.
Tiani, who chose to remain discreet until he garnered public support from other commanders, as per two sources knowledgeable about the plot, made a television appearance on July 28. In his brief statement, he attributed the junta’s motivations to safeguarding the homeland. He attributed the coup to Niger’s government’s failure to address security concerns.
However, with ECOWAS threatening potential military intervention if the coup isn’t reversed by Sunday, Tiani could soon confront an entirely different challenge.
Reported by Moussa Aksar in Niamey, David Lewis in Nairobi, and David Gauthier-Villars in Istanbul. Additional contributions by Michel Rose in Paris and Edward McAllister in Dakar. Edited by Alexandra Zavis and David Clarke.
The junta in Niger has challenged a Sunday deadline issued by West Africa’s regional coalition, which demanded the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, warning of the potential for a military intervention.
Defence leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) established a strategy last week, contemplating the possible application of force to reverse the coup that occurred on July 26. This strategy outlines the methods and timing for deploying forces, thus heightening concerns of additional conflicts in a region already grappling with a perilous Islamist insurgency.
The coalition is keeping the details confidential, and any intervention would necessitate approval from the leaders of member nations. Although several options, encompassing both military and alternative approaches, are conceivable, each comes with its own set of risks.
Ground Invasion
ECOWAS has deployed troops to regions of unrest in the past; however, this action is unprecedented in Niger and occurs in a region that is seldom so divided.
According to security analysts, assembling the specifics of a large-scale operation could span several weeks, and the prospect of an invasion carries substantial risks. These risks encompass the potential for being embroiled in a protracted conflict and exacerbating instability both in Niger and throughout the broader region.
Coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani has experience, having previously served as a battalion commander for ECOWAS peacekeepers in Ivory Coast following a ceasefire between government and rebel forces in 2003. This background gives him insight into the nature of intervention missions.
Nevertheless, for some, the available options might seem quite limited.
“If they don’t go in, it will be a major problem of credibility. They have laid down a red line,” said Djiby Sow, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Dakar.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has told his government to prepare for options including the deployment of military personnel. Senegal has also said it could send troops.
But coup leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed support for Niger’s junta, and other countries have their own security challenges.
Special Forces Operation
This option would involve a slimmer ground force that would be quicker to assemble. It would likely focus on seizing key security and administrative sites, rescuing Bazoum from house arrest and restoring his government, said Ikemesit Effiong, a senior researcher at SBM Intelligence consultancy in Nigeria. ECOWAS could seek intelligence support from U.S. and French forces inside Niger.
“The timeline would be shorter and the capability already exists in the region. An operation of that nature would be more realistic,” Effiong said.
Risks still abound, though. Foreign troops guarding sites in the centre of the capital Niamey could trigger violence in a city where hundreds have taken to the streets in support of the coup – and against foreign interference.
Aiding a counter coup
Niger is a huge, ethnically diverse country, and Bazoum won the 2021 election with 56% of the vote. It is not yet clear how much support various groups will give the new leaders.
Security analysts and diplomats have also noted apparent divisions among Niger’s armed forces, who may not all be united behind the coup.
Regional powers could exploit that.
“The only operationally feasible scenario I can imagine … would be in the form of more limited support for a ‘counter coup’ by Nigerien forces,” said Peter Pham, a fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank and a former U.S. special envoy to the Sahel region. “I don’t see them coming in without that local element.”
Take stock, maintain sanctions
In comparison to the juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali, which have assumed power within the past three years, ECOWAS has adopted a more assertive stance against Niger.
However, there remains the possibility that ECOWAS might choose to uphold sanctions, refrain from direct military intervention, and instead advocate for a return to civilian governance following elections. The junta has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions about this option, although a specific timeframe has not been provided.
Even this course of action carries inherent regional risks. Imposing sanctions could undermine Niger’s economy, a reality that holds particular weight for one of the world’s most economically disadvantaged nations. Such a situation might inadvertently fuel support for the junta and extremist groups that extend financial support and shelter.
On Sunday August 6 2023, thousands of individuals who endorse the military coup in Niger gathered at a stadium in Niamey. This event coincided with the deadline stipulated by the West African regional coalition ECOWAS, requiring the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
A delegation from the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) made their way to the stadium, which has a seating capacity of 30,000, receiving enthusiastic applause from their supporters. Many attendees proudly waved Russian flags and carried portraits of CNSP leaders.
The stadium, named after Seyni Kountche, the leader behind Niger’s inaugural coup d’état in 1974, was nearly at full capacity, and the atmosphere exuded a festive spirit, as reported by journalists on the scene.
General Mohamed Toumba, one of the CNSP leaders, denounced in a speech those “lurking in the shadows” who were “plotting subversion” against “the forward march of Niger”.
“We are aware of their Machiavellian plan,” he said.
The protest aligns with the ultimatum established by ECOWAS on July 30th, urging the coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum.
However, up to this point, the generals who seized control in Niamey on July 26th have displayed no indications of being open to yielding.
On Friday, ECOWAS military leaders concurred on a potential military intervention plan in response to the crisis. Armed forces from countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast expressed readiness to partake.
On Saturday, Nigeria’s Senate, situated in the neighboring country, resisted the approach of the ECOWAS regional group. They implored the President of Nigeria, the current head of the bloc, to explore alternatives beyond the use of force.
Although ECOWAS can still progress, as final resolutions are reached through consensus among member nations, the warning issued on the eve of Sunday’s deadline has cast doubts over the intervention’s outcome.
While the coup has garnered widespread condemnation from Western and African nations, Niger’s military received backing from their counterparts in Mali and Burkina Faso—two nations that have experienced military coups seizing power in the last three years.
As the ECOWAS deadline expired, Niger’s military junta declared on Sunday the closure of the country’s airspace.
Niger’s airspace was closed due to “the threat of intervention from a neighboring country,” said the spokesperson for the now-ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, in a video statement played on state television.
As per the CNSP’s announcement, the West African regional coalition has finalized its arrangements for a potential incursion into Niger. At least two member states of the organization have initiated the mobilization of their armed forces, heading towards Niger’s border.
Niger’s military leadership has up until now declined to relinquish authority, as stipulated by ECOWAS defense ministers. This group had established a Sunday ultimatum for the reinstatement and return to power of the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been elected in February 2021.
Mali has announced its intention to dispatch a joint delegation alongside Burkina Faso to Niger, as an expression of solidarity.
This decision follows closely on the heels of a defiance exhibited by the military generals who seized control in Niger against an ultimatum demanding the restoration of the elected president or the potential initiation of armed intervention by fellow West African nations.
The junta in control of Niger’s military declared the closure of the country’s airspace and signaled preparations to safeguard its territorial integrity.
Despite the issued ultimatum, the member nations of the regional group Ecowas are divided regarding the adoption of military measures.
Notably, Nigeria and Ivory Coast are steadfast in their stance that President Mohamed Bazoum should be reinstated.
In a contrasting perspective, the military administrations in Mali and Burkina Faso have indicated their alignment with the coup leaders, asserting their support in the event of an external attack.
In light of the possibility of military intervention from neighbouring neighbours, the leaders of the coup in Niger have temporarily closed the nation’s airspace.
According to the flight tracking service Flightradar24, there aren’t any aircraft flying over Niger right now.
Ecowas, a consortium of West African nations, had previously threatened to use force if President Mohamed Bazoum was not restored by Sunday at 23:00 GMT.
Niger’s armed forces, according to a junta spokesman, are prepared to defend the nation.
The presidential guard commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, later proclaimed himself the new leader after Mr. Bazoum was detained on July 26.
International organisations and governments have denounced the military takeover, including the United Nations, the United States, former colonial power France, and the rest of the European Union.
The Niger junta’s spokesperson read a statement on national television on Sunday, claiming to have knowledge that “a foreign power” was getting ready to strike Niger.
Following a crisis conference in Nigeria, the military leaders of Ecowas announced on Friday that they had created a thorough strategy for the potential use of force.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, stated that “all the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out here, including the resources needed, the how, and the when we are going to deploy the force.”
He continued, “We want diplomacy to succeed, and we want this message to them [Niger’s junta] clearly transmitted that we are giving them every opportunity to undo what they have done.”
They gave the generals a week to comply with their ultimatum to cede control by midnight local time, but the deadline has since passed.
Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, and 14 other West African nations make up the regional commercial bloc known as Ecowas.
Thousands of the coup leaders’ supporters gathered angrily on Sunday at a stadium in Niamey, the capital of Niger, as they appear unwilling to give up control.
Burkina Faso and Mali, two of Niger’s neighbours, previously issued a warning that they would regard any foreign military intervention in Niger as “a declaration of war” against them. Mali and Burkina Faso are both Ecowas members, although they have both been expelled from the organisation as a result of being governed by military coups.
Under Mr. Bazoum, Niger was an important Western ally in the conflict with Islamist extremists in West Africa’s Sahel area. Niger is a significant producer of uranium, a fuel essential for nuclear power.
The Pan-African movement known as Africans Rising has issued a strong condemnation of the recent military seizure of power in Niger.
Soldiers, primarily from the presidential guard, carried out a takeover on July 27, resulting in the capture of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. This event led to the dissolution of the constitution, the suspension of all institutions, and the closure of the country’s borders.
Since July 2, President Mohamed Bazoum has remained in the custody of the presidential guard. In response to these alarming developments, Africans Rising has called upon international and regional organizations, including the African Union and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), to engage in constructive dialogues with all relevant stakeholders. The aim of such dialogues is to ensure the restoration of peace and stability within the nation.
Africans Rising has stressed the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and has expressed its disagreement with the threats of military intervention that have been voiced by certain ECOWAS member states.
The movement strongly asserts that such actions would result in the unnecessary loss of innocent lives and escalate the existing challenges within the nation. Instead, they emphasize the significance of engaging in dialogue and employing diplomatic solutions that won’t worsen the predicament faced by the impoverished population.
Furthermore, the movement offers guidance to European and Western nations, urging them to refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of African countries.
They firmly reject any attempts to transform West Africa or any other African region into a battleground for proxy conflicts among competing global powers. Africans Rising staunchly upholds Africa’s sovereignty and autonomy, underscoring that the continent should not be treated as an extension of any external nation or continent.
“We must resist any moves that will make West Africa or any part of Africa the threatre of war by proxy between competing powers. It is very important for external powers from West and East to steer clear of Africa’s internal affairs and desist from making reckless statements hinting at military action. We will not tolerate any such rhetoric. Africa is not the extension of any other country or continent.”
Niger has now joined the ranks of West African countries where the military has taken control, following the footsteps of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad – all of which were former French colonies.
Interestingly, since 1990, a significant 78% of the 27 coups in sub-Saharan Africa have taken place in Francophone nations, prompting some analysts to question whether France, or the lingering effects of French colonialism, bear responsibility for these events.
Many of the coup plotters themselves appear to support this notion. For instance, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, who assumed the role of prime minister in Mali under the military junta in September 2022, vehemently criticized France, implying a connection to the country’s political upheaval.
Criticising “neocolonialist, condescending, paternalist and vengeful policies”, Mr Maiga alleged that France had “disowned universal moral values” and stabbed Mali “in the back”.
Anti-French vitriol has also flourished in Burkina Faso, where the military government ended a long-standing accord that allowed French troops to operate in the country in February, giving France one month to remove its forces.
In Niger, which neighbours both countries, allegations that President Mohamed Bazoum was a puppet for French interests were used to legitimise his removal from power, and five military deals with France have since been revoked by the junta led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani. Partly as a result, the coup was followed by popular protests and attacks on the French embassy.
The historical record provides some support for these grievances. French colonial rule established political systems designed to extract valuable resources while using repressive strategies to retain control.
So did British colonial rule, but what was distinctive about France’s role in Africa was the extent to which it continued to engage – its critics would say meddle – in the politics and economics of its former territories after independence.
Seven of the nine Francophone states in West Africa still use the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro and guaranteed by France, as their currency, a legacy of French economic policy towards its colonies.
France also forged defence agreements that saw it regularly intervene militarily on behalf of unpopular pro-French leaders to keep them in power.
Image caption,Demonstrators in Niger also condemned neighbouring countries that have imposed economic sanctions since the coup
In many cases, this strengthened the hand of corrupt and abusive figures such as Chad’s former President Idriss Déby and former Burkinabe President Blaise Compaoré, creating additional challenges for the struggle for democracy.
Although France did not intervene militarily to reinstate any of the recently deposed heads of state, all were seen as being “pro-French”.
Worse still, the relationship between French political leaders and their allies in Africa was often corrupt, creating a powerful and wealthy elite at the expense of African citizens.
François-Xavier Verschave, a prominent French economist, coined the term Françafrique to refer to a neocolonial relationship hidden by “the secret criminality in the upper echelons of French politics and economy”. These ties, he alleged, resulted in large sums of money being “misappropriated”.
Although recent French governments have sought to distance themselves from Françafrique, there are constant reminders of the problematic relations between France, French business interests and Africa, including a number of embarrassing corruption cases.
It is therefore easy to understand why one Nigerien told the BBC that: “Since childhood, I’ve been opposed to France… They’ve exploited all the riches of my country such as uranium, petrol and gold.”
Such scandals were often swept under the carpet while France’s African political allies were strong, and France’s military support helped to maintain stability.
In recent years, the ability of France and other Western states to ensure order has deteriorated, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to criticism.
Despite considerable funding and troops, the French-led international response to Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel region has failed to enable West African governments to regain control of their territories.
This was particularly significant to the fate of civilian leaders in Burkina Faso and Mali because their inability to protect their own citizens created the impression that French support was more of a liability than a blessing.
In turn, growing popular anger and frustration emboldened military leaders to believe that a coup would be celebrated by citizens.
Yet, for all of the mistakes France has made in its dealings with its former colonies in Africa over the years, the instability Francophone states are currently experiencing cannot be solely laid at its door.
It has hardly been the only former colonial power to prop up authoritarian leaders abroad.
Image caption,Some of those opposed to French involvement in Niger have shown their support for Russia instead
During the dark days of the Cold War, the UK and the United States helped prop up a number of dictators in return for their loyalty, from Daniel arap Moi in Kenya to Mobutu Sese Seko in what was then Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The strong relationship between coups and the former colonial power was also much less prevalent in previous eras. Four of the countries that have seen the highest number of coup attempts since 1952 are Nigeria (8), Ghana (10), Sierra Leone (10), and Sudan (17), which all experienced British rule.
While the recent trend of coups in Francophone states may reflect the legacy of Françafrique coming home to roost, it has also been underpinned by “unprecedented” levels of insecurity in parts of West Africa and the Sahel region, with “armed groups, violent extremists and criminal networks” undermining public confidence in civilian governments, according to the UN.
Each of the coups over the last three years has also been driven by a specific set of domestic factors that demonstrate the agency of African political and military leaders.
In Mali, the background to the coup included an influx of extremist forces following the the collapse of the Libyan state in 2011, allegations the president had manipulated local elections, and mass anti-government protests orchestrated by opposition parties in the capital.
The trigger for the coup in Niger appears to have been President Bazoum’s plans to reform the military high command and remove Gen Tchiani from his position.
This is a strong indication that the coup was not really intended to strengthen Nigerien sovereignty, or to aid the country’s poorest citizens, but rather to protect the privileges of the military elite.
The mixed motives of recent coups are well demonstrated by the speed with which many of the new military governments have sought to replace one problematic relationship with an external ally with another.
At the recent Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, leaders from Burkina Faso and Mali declared their support for President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine.
As in the past, the beneficiaries of these global alliances are likely to be the political elite rather than ordinary citizens. There are already reports that in May, troops from the Wagner group, in alliance with Putin’s government at the time, were responsible for the torture and massacre of hundreds of civilians in Mali as part of anti-insurgency operations.
Reducing French influence is therefore unlikely to be a straightforward boon for political stability, and in decades to come we may well see a new generation of military leaders attempting to legitimise further coups on the basis of the need to rid their countries of malign Russian influence.
Leonard Mbulle-Nziege is a research analyst at Africa Risk Consulting (ARC) and Nic Cheeseman is the director of the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation at the University of Birmingham.
In a demonstration of support for the democratically-elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a prominent West African regional organization, has directed Nigeria to temporarily close its border with Niger.
This directive was made public through a press statement delivered by Nigeria’s Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
The situation in Niger, following the military coup that ousted President Bazoum, has prompted ECOWAS to call for restrictions on movement along the border areas.
As a result, the Nigerian government has taken the necessary steps to comply with ECOWAS’ directive and temporarily halt cross-border activities with Niger Republic.
Acting Comptroller General Adeniyi emphasized that the closure aims to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian citizens and fellow ECOWAS member states. He urged those who typically travel through Niger Republic to reach Libya to remain at home for their own safety.
Only Nigerians returning to their home country are allowed to cross the border during this period.
To enforce the border closure effectively, the Nigeria Customs has deployed its personnel to block any unorthodox roads that might be used by foreigners attempting to infiltrate the country through alternative routes. This measure is taken to maintain the integrity of the border closure and protect the interests of both Nigeria and ECOWAS at large.
“You know Sokoto and Niger Republic, we are a homogeneous society, with the same language, religion and culture, but we have a colonial boundary which we must respect,” he added.
The French foreign ministry announced on Saturday that France will assist ECOWAS’s attempts to undermine the military coup in Niger.
On Saturday, Niger Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou and the Niger ambassador met in Paris with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
Earlier, Colonna said the coup leaders in Niamey had until Sunday to hand back power, otherwise a threat by member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to stage a military intervention had to be taken “very seriously”.
“The threat is credible,” she said on French public radio.
On Saturday, France did not provide explicit details regarding whether its support would involve military assistance for an ECOWAS intervention in Niger.
On the preceding Friday, ECOWAS announced that its military chiefs had reached an agreement on a potential intervention plan in Niger.
“All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out,” ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah said.
These included “the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force”, he added.
“We want diplomacy to work, and we want this message clearly transmitted to them [the junta] that we are giving them every opportunity to reverse what they have done,” Musah said.
The leaders of the coup have threatened to use force against you.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military leadership since 2020, have issued warnings that any regional intervention would be viewed as a “declaration of war” against them.
Russia, which has been expanding its presence in the Sahel region in recent times, expressed the belief that a foreign intervention would not lead to a resolution of the crisis.
In contrast, neighboring countries Benin and Germany advocated for continued diplomacy to de-escalate the situation.
On Friday, the United States announced the suspension of some aid to Niger in response to the coup.
Washington is pausing “certain foreign assistance programmes benefitting the government of Niger”, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
“As we have made clear since the outset of this situation, the provision of US assistance to the government of Niger depends on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order,” Blinken said, adding that Washington would continue to review its foreign assistance as the situation on the ground evolves.
Blinken did not specify what programmes would be affected but said life-saving humanitarian and food assistance, as well as diplomatic and security operations to protect US personnel, would continue.
“We remain committed to supporting the people of Niger to help them preserve their hard-earned democracy and we reiterate our call for the immediate restoration of Niger’s democratically-elected government,” Blinken said.
In a shocking turn of events, the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, has been ousted from power by the very individuals entrusted to safeguard and uphold his office – the presidential guards stationed outside his palace.
President Bazoum had made history as the first democratically elected leader to succeed another in Niger since its independence in 1960.
However, his presidency was cut short as his captors, the presidential guards, have taken control of the country. They have gone on to suspend Niger’s constitution and have appointed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as the new head of state.
Niger holds a significant position in the African region known as the Sahel, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. The area is grappling with ongoing jihadist insurgency and has a history of military rule.
The international community, particularly Western nations, had viewed Niger as a vital pillar against further instability and the spread of Russian influence in the region. Unfortunately, those hopes have been dashed as the recent events unfold.
The crisis in Niger has profound implications, and the situation is closely being monitored by the global community.
Why is Niger important?
From a geographical standpoint, Niger holds the distinction of being the largest country in West Africa.
On the political front, it has been regarded as a beacon of relative democratic stability in recent times, in stark contrast to its neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, which have experienced military coups.
Strategically, Niger plays a crucial role as it hosts military bases belonging to both France and the United States, making it a significant partner in the global fight against Islamist insurgents.
In fact, the US state department recognizes Niger’s importance, describing it as a linchpin for stability in the Sahel and a reliable counter-terrorism partner against various Islamist groups associated with either Islamic State or al-Qaeda.
Economically, Niger boasts substantial uranium reserves, accounting for 7% of the world’s total supplies. The significance of this radioactive metal is so profound that one of the grandest thoroughfares in the capital, Niamey, is named the Avenue de l’Uranium.
Despite its uranium wealth, the people of Niger continually face challenges, consistently ranking as having the lowest standards of living anywhere in the world.
Why did the coup happen?
The Sahel region is a turbulent and unstable part of the world and democracy is currently in retreat there.
Violent Islamist groups have gained ground by controlling territory and conducting attacks in the tri-border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
The mutinous soldiers in Niger have cited this worsening security situation as a reason for their uprising, although Niger was handling the insurgencies far better than Mali and Burkina Faso before their own coups.
The growing unrest has led some to believe that only harsh military crackdowns can solve the problem, hence the popular support that the coup seems to enjoy in some quarters.
However, it is far from clear that a military junta would have greater success in tackling the insurgents than the recently ousted government. The takeovers in neighbouring countries have not made much difference.
Did coups in Mali and Burkina Faso halt jihadist attacks?
Adding to the instability in the region, climate change is causing desertification to spread southwards from the Sahara into the Sahel. Experts say temperatures in the Sahel are rising faster than anywhere else in the world.
What’s the international reaction to the coup?
France, the former colonial power, has been stern in its condemnation of the military takeover.
A statement by the French foreign ministry said President Bazoum was the country’s sole leader, adding that France “does not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch led by Gen Tchiani”.
It added that France “reaffirmed in the strongest terms the clear demands of the international community calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and democratically-elected civilian government in Niger”.
The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has called for the president’s immediate release, while the African Union, the West African regional bloc Ecowas, the EU and the UN have all spoken out against the coup.
The only voice in favour has been that of the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has reportedly described it as a triumph.
“What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers,” he was quoted as saying on a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel, although his comments have not been independently verified.
What’s it got to do with Russia and Wagner?
As well as jihadist groups, the Wagner mercenaries, who are active elsewhere in the region, have been seen as exercising a malign influence in Niger. Some supporters of the coup have been seen waving the Russian flag alongside that of Niger.
Image caption,Supporters of the coup have been waving the Russian flag
Before the coup, President Bazoum had complained of “disinformation campaigns” by Wagner against his government – and there is little doubt that Wagner, which has exploited mineral resources in other African countries to fund its operations, would like to do the same in Niger.
The US has said there is no indication that the Wagner force was involved in the overthrow of President Bazoum, but added that the situation continues to be quite fluid.
Niger coup makes a troubled region yet more fragile
Now there are concerns that Niger’s new leadership could move away from its Western allies and closer to Russia.
If it does, it would follow in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Mali, which have both pivoted towards Moscow since their own military coups.
What other global consequences could the coup have?
President Bazoum’s government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centres in Libya.
He has also cracked down on human traffickers in what had been a key transit point between other countries in West Africa and those further north.
Niger’s military junta has decided to sever diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Togo, the US, and France after unsuccessful talks with an Ecowas delegation aimed at resolving the political stand-off following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum last week.
Col Amadou Abdramane, a member of the junta, announced the decision on state TV, recalling Niger’s ambassadors from the four nations.
A delegation led by Nigeria’s former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, met some junta members on Thursday but left without any signs of progress after just a few hours.
The response from Nigerian President and Ecowas head, Bola Tinubu, is yet to be received regarding Niger’s cutting of diplomatic ties.
West African defense chiefs are concluding a three-day meeting in Nigeria to discuss possible military interventions if diplomatic efforts fail.
An expert has told the international media that the coup leaders in Niger cited the country’s ongoing insecurity as one of the reasons behind their decision to overthrow President Mohamed Bazoum last week.
However, the expert, Olayinka Ajala from Leeds Beckett University, pointed out that a rift between some in the military and the president had been developing.
He mentioned that there was an ethnic dimension to the power struggle and growing discontent with the presence of foreign troops in the country.
President Bazoum, being from the ethnic Arab minority, was perceived by some as having foreign origins, adding to the complexities of the situation, as highlighted by Dr. Ajala in his analysis.
According to the expert, “this did not sit well within the military circle, which is predominantly composed of the larger ethnic groups.”
In addition to the reasons mentioned earlier, Dr. Ajala also highlighted that the presence of French troops in Niger after their expulsion from Mali last year, along with the establishment of US and French drone bases in the country, added to the growing discontent among certain factions within the Nigerien military.
According to David Kampmann from BBC Monitoring, there were reports suggesting that the leader of the coup, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, was on the verge of being replaced by President Bazoum as head of the presidential guard as part of security apparatus reforms.
Gen Tchiani apparently took preemptive action and ousted the president before any such changes could take place.
However, it’s important to note that these reports remain unconfirmed rumors, as emphasized by Mr. Kampmann.
Some Ghanaian onion sellers are stuck at the Benin border as a result due to the Niger coup.
The individuals have urged President Akufo-Addo to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the Benin border to allow their entry into Ghana.
Around 15 trucks carrying onions have been stuck at the Benin border as a result of the border closure.
The onion sellers fear that their perishable goods will rot if swift action isn’t taken.
They expressed concern over a lack of communication regarding the border’s reopening despite assurances.
The spokesperson for the onion sellers association, Yakubu Akpeneda, appealed for authorities to intervene with their Benin counterparts to resolve the situation.
“We have loaded onions from Niger, and they have parked at the Benin border, they are now in Benin, but the border has been locked. They said they locked the border because of the Niger coup. On August 2, they promised to open the border at midnight, but we didn’t hear anything.”
“We are calling on the authorities to intervene in the matter, else the onions will rot if they keep long on the road. The authorities should help us by talking to authorities in Benin to open the border for us to bring our onions to Ghana. Our trucks are plenty, the trucks are more than 15. And they are all carrying onions”.
“The situation will have an impact on prices of onions in the various markets,” he added.
The stranded trucks, loaded with onions from Niger, have been unable to proceed due to the border closure.
Akpeneda highlighted the potential impact on onion prices in local markets, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issue to prevent further disruptions.
The onion sellers are hopeful that President Akufo-Addo’s intervention will expedite the border’s reopening and allow them to bring their goods into Ghana without delay.
Deposed leader of Niger, Mohammed Bazoum has called upon the United States and the “entire international community” to aid in the “restoration of constitutional order” following last week’s coup.
In an op-ed published in the Washington Post, President Mohamed Bazoum, who described himself as a “hostage,” emphasized the urgency of the situation.
President Bazoum also expressed concerns about the potential expansion of Russian influence in the region through entities like the Wagner Group, which is already active in neighboring nations.
Niger’s neighboring West African countries have issued warnings of possible military intervention.
In a significant move, the coup leaders declared the withdrawal of Niger’s ambassadors from France, the United States, Nigeria, and Togo. Their decision was conveyed in a statement broadcasted on national television, citing the termination of the ambassadors’ roles.
Only hours before, Niger’s ambassador to the US, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, told AFP news agency that the junta “should come to reason” and “realise that this affair cannot succeed”.
Niger is a significant uranium producer – a fuel that is vital for nuclear power – and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa’s Sahel region.
In his newspaper article, Mr Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world”.
“Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism,” Mr Bazoum wrote.
“The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”
President Bazoum further raised concerns about the connections between the coup leaders and the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is active in neighboring regions. Wagner’s presence has been perceived negatively by many due to its perceived negative impact on Niger.
“The entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” wrote Mr Bazoum.
Many supporters of the Nigerien coup have been chanting pro-Russian slogans and displaying the colors of the Russian flag.
On Thursday, a peaceful demonstration took place in Niger’s capital, Niamey, where thousands of people showed their support for the coup while criticizing other West African nations for imposing sanctions on Niger.
Although there is no evidence of Wagner’s involvement in President Bazoum’s ousting according to the US, the leader of Wagner has reportedly hailed the coup’s success. The Russian government, on the other hand, has called for the reinstatement of the deposed president.
The international community, including the EU, UN, and the US, has strongly condemned the military takeover.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with President Bazoum, during which the US reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Niger’s democratically elected government.
President Bazoum, who succeeded another democratically elected president, was detained by his own guards in the recent coup. The coup leader, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has taken over as head of state.
Niger plays a crucial role in the Sahel region, a troubled area plagued by jihadist activity and military regimes. While neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso experienced military coups, Niger had maintained relative stability in recent years. The country hosts military bases operated by France and the US, which are involved in counterinsurgency efforts against Islamist militants.
President Bazoum’s administration has collaborated with European nations to curb the migration flow across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to repatriate numerous migrants from Libyan detention centers. Additionally, his government has been actively combating human trafficking.
Ghana, in the event of a strained relationship with Burkina Faso, risks losing majority of tomato in its market space.
According to GhStat on Twitter, Ghana imports about 84 per cent of its tomato from Burkina Faso.
In October 2022, trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (Ghana Vegetables) indicated that annual tomato import from neighbouring Burkina Faso has hit a staggering US$400million from an estimated US$99.5million in 2018.
As of then, Ghana imported 90 percent of its fresh tomato from Burkina Faso.
But recent happenings in the West African sub- region threatens the trade deal between Ghana and Burkina Faso. The ongoing coup in Niger could affect how Ghana and Burkina Faso relate.
ECOWAS, comprising 15-member states of which Ghana and Burkina Faso belong on Sunday imposed sanctions including travel ban and a blockade on Niger pending the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum who was ousted by the military on 26 July.
It also threatened the use of force and summoned defense chiefs of the sub-region.
But the transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed their solidarity with the people of Niger.
Both Burkina Faso and Mali have condemned the persistent imposition of sanctions by regional organizations, expressing their concerns that these measures could exacerbate the suffering of their populations and undermine the spirit of pan-Africanism.
The governments have firmly rejected the application of these deemed illegal and inhumane sanctions against Niger and have issued strong warnings that any military intervention against Niger would be construed as a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Government Spokesperson, and Knight of the Order of Merit, Arts, Letters, and Communication, issued the communique on behalf of Mali. Colonel Abdoulaye MAIGA, the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Government Spokesperson, and Knight of the National Order, delivered the statement on behalf of Burkina Faso.
Stressing the potentially dire ramifications of a military intervention in Niger, the governments drew parallels with the aftermath of NATO’s unilateral action in Libya, which ultimately led to the proliferation of terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa.
The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their dismay at the divergence between certain political leaders’ eagerness to resort to armed forces to restore order in Niger and the lack of action from organizations and political figures in supporting states and populations that have been victims of terrorism for years.
In an appeal for solidarity, the governments called upon the united forces to stand prepared and mobilized to provide support to the people of Niger during these challenging times for the cause of Pan-Africanism.
Should ECOWAS go by its words, there is the possibility that Burkina Faso led by Interim President Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, could revoke its deal with Ghana as a response.
The army of Nigeria has stated that it has not received a directive “to begin military action against the military junta in Niger.”
The armed forces could not launch a mission on behalf of the regional organization, Ecowas, without the heads of state’s authorization, a spokesperson said in a statement in response to a news that Nigerian soldiers were mobilizing in anticipation.
According to Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, the military option in Niger was the last resort in the event that all other measures proved unsuccessful in changing the course of events.
In order to “submit their plans” to the leaders of the area, military leaders are currently gathering in Abuja, Nigeria.
In an effort to resolve the ongoing political impasse in Niger Republic, Nigerian President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Tinubu, has taken decisive action.
Following the resolution reached during the extraordinary summit of ECOWAS in Abuja, President Tinubu has dispatched a delegation to Niger with a mandate to promptly address the situation.
The delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), left for Niamey on Thursday after receiving a briefing from President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Alongside General Abubakar, the delegation includes the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji [Name].
The move is aimed at finding a swift and effective resolution to the current political challenges in Niger Republic, and it underscores the commitment of ECOWAS to supporting stability and peace in the region.
A significant gathering has taken place at a square in central Niamey, the capital of Niger, with people showing their support for the recent military coup.
On the occasion of the country’s independence anniversary, a coalition of civil society organizations called on the public to denounce the sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, and warned that force could be used if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated.
The square witnessed a sizable crowd, mostly composed of young men, expressing their backing for the coup leaders.
Amid the show of support, anti-French slogans were chanted, and a few Russian flags were displayed.
Despite this display of solidarity with the coup, there remains widespread opposition to the military takeover among many Nigerien citizens.
Some view the coup as an attempt by senior soldiers to safeguard their positions and preserve their authority, fearing being replaced if they relinquished power.
To justify their actions, there is a growing trend of anti-French sentiment being fostered by the coup leaders, echoing similar events in Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military took over and subsequently strengthened ties with Russia.
The situation in Niger bears similarities to these past instances, leading to concerns and reactions from various sectors of society.
On Tuesday, August 2, 2023, the top UN envoy for the region highlighted the potential deterioration of the security situation in wider West Africa if the crisis in Niger remains unresolved.
The UN secretary-general’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, addressed reporters via video teleconference from Accra, Ghana, expressing concern over the unfolding crisis.
“The unfolding crisis, if not addressed, will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region,” Leonardo Santos Simão, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York via video teleconference from Accra, Ghana.
Simão emphasized that failing to address the crisis in Niger could exacerbate the region’s already deteriorating security landscape.
Additionally, the situation will have adverse effects on the development and well-being of the population in Niger, where 4.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
As the head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Simão offered support for the efforts made by the Economic Community of West African States to restore democratic order in Niger.
He issued a warning that without appropriate measures, the risk of increased terrorism spreading throughout the region is highly likely.
On the same note, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the reports of the arrest of several members of Niger’s government. Guterres urgently called for strict adherence to Niger’s international human rights obligations and the prompt restoration of constitutional order.
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are determined to continue providing vital aid to the vulnerable segments of Niger’s population.
To ensure the continuation of this crucial assistance, all parties involved must create a conducive operating environment.
The first British nationals to be airlifted out of Niger have safely reached Paris.
Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, reported that 14 Britons were on the French flight on Wednesday.
A “very small number of British nationals” were still present, according to the Foreign Office.
Following the military coup last week, violence has erupted in the nation of west Africa.
Countries like France and Italy have booked flights for their own nationals, some of whom were also relocated from other nations.
As of yet, the UK has not organised its own flights.
The UK government had earlier recommended British citizens to keep indoors and report their locations.
Less than 100 Britons were thought to be present in Niger.
Those who had asked to leave Niger and had been able to get to the airport in time for this flight were the first to be evacuated.
The UK ambassador and a core team remain in Niger to support the extremely limited number of British nationals who are still there, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. We are appreciative to the French for helping with this evacuation.
“Our advice continues to be if you’re there and need assistance getting out, get in touch with the embassy,” said Mr. Dowden. “We still have staff on the ground and we will work to provide that assistance.”
The government has announced a temporary staff reduction at its embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Additionally, the US has instructed all non-emergency employees at its embassy to depart.
German nationals in Niger, who are also believed to number less than 100, have been asked to board French-organized flights out of the country, while the Spanish government has announced that it is evacuating about 70 of its residents.
On Wednesday, while visiting three African nations, including Nigeria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly declared: “The UK government’s priority remains the safety of British nationals and helping them get out of the country to safety.”
The French embassy has come under attack as a result of protests against France, the previous colonial power in Niger, that have been sparked by the coup.
Early on Wednesday, 262 travellers from Niger landed in Paris, while Italy also booked a flight, which brought 87 refugees to Rome.
According to the Reuters news agency, the aircraft was carrying 36 Italians, 21 Americans, and one British citizen.
The uranium-rich nation of Niger has been a crucial ally of the West in the struggle against Islamic extremism in the Sahel. There are military outposts for both France and the US.
Since Niger’s independence in 1960, President Mohamed Bazoum has been the first democratically elected head of state. Last week, his guards held him.
In the event that the president is not freed and put back in office within a week, the west African regional organisation Ecowas has threatened to deploy force.
However, military organisations in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three nearby former French colonies, issued warnings that any forcible action would be seen as a declaration of war.
There are worries that Niger’s new government may turn away from its Western friends and towards Russia, similar to how Burkina Faso and Mali have done following their own military coups.
Three months ago, airlifts were coordinated out of Sudan as a result of conflict there between rival factions.
While the flimsy ceasefire held, a negotiated short-term ceasefire permitted UK evacuation flights to depart from an airport near Khartoum, and about 2,341 individuals were transported to safety on 28 UK flights.
In the past three years, the West African sub-region has witnessed a total of six successful coups, raising concerns due to their shared characteristics.
Mali experienced two coups, the first in August 2020 and the second in May 2021. Guinea faced a military takeover in 2021, while Burkina Faso encountered two coups in January and September 2022.
In Mali’s case, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted from power by a military coalition in August. Subsequently, Mali’s former Defense Minister, Bah Ndaw, assumed the presidency of the new transitional government, with Colonel Assimi Goita appointed as vice president. However, they were both removed from power a year later in May by Colonel Assimi Goita.
Colonel Assimi Goita
On September 5, 2021, Guinea experienced a coup d’état as the armed forces captured President Alpha Condé, who had extended his stay in power through a constitutional amendment.
In Burkina Faso, President Roch Kabore was ousted from power on January 24, 2022, following a coup led by Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba. However, eight months later, military rule was reestablished, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré
The most recent incident is the military takeover in Niger, where General Abdourahamane Tchiani orchestrated a coup on July 26, 2023, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
So who is next?
Experts are troubled by the similarities underlying these coups. In many cases, corruption, political instability, and deteriorating security have been the driving factors.
Guinea’s situation stemmed from President Condé’s alteration of the constitution to extend his term beyond the mandated two terms. He secured a controversial third term in an election marred by violence and alleged irregularities in October 2020.
In Burkina Faso, the escalation of a jihadist insurgency contributed to the leadership change, which was also the reason behind Colonel Assimi Goita’s removal from power.
A recurring theme across these incidents is leaders’ failure to safeguard their citizens. This pattern persists in Niger, as President Bazoum’s administration has faced criticism for inadequately addressing the region’s entrenched violent Islamist extremism over the past decade.
President Mohammed Bazoum
The United Nations Security Council reported that West Africa endured over 1,800 attacks in the first half of 2023, resulting in nearly 4,600 fatalities and grave humanitarian repercussions. Due to these terrorist activities, approximately half a million individuals in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are refugees, with nearly 6.2 million internally displaced.
Experts are concerned that this trend of military takeover is far from over.
Engaging JoyNews on the issue of coups in the West African Sub-region on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, security expert Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso noted that the subject matter of human security has been trivialised by governments.
Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso
He argued that there has been a misplaced priority as the leaders are more interested in maintaining power and conforming to a democratic structure seeking to please global leaders.
“The point is that we have similar specificities within the West African sub Region. Regime security should have been a thing of the past and human security assures the people of a collective way of moving forward.
“Unfortunately, government upon government of the sub region are thinking about the next election, satisfying global norm that there is democracy – frequent elections, institutions of state etc,” he said.
With the issue of political instability in mind, he made a projection on which country in the sub-region is likely to face the same fate as Niger and the others.
Senegal, Mr Antwi-Danso, is currently prone to a dissolution of democratic governance.
“Look at what is happening in Senegal. What is ECOWAS waiting for before they trigger the Panel of the wise to be able to at least, cool things down. And they have a problem with Casamance already. And then the population, a lot of them, it is about 18-20 percent unemployment rate in Senegal, and yet what is happening is so bad.
And when it goes so bad what happens is what I talk about as Systemic Coup. The military will just see that let us intervene before there is an implosion. So I will not be surprised that in future, you will see something like that in Senegal also,” he explained.
Why Senegal?
Senegal is a West African country that has been widely regarded as a model of democracy and stability in the region. However, in recent months, the country has been rocked by protests and violence over the government’s alleged attempts to stifle the opposition and manipulate the electoral process.
The protests were sparked by the decision of the constitutional council, the highest judicial body in Senegal, to invalidate the list of candidates submitted by the main opposition coalition, Pastef-Les Patriotes, for the upcoming legislative elections on July 31.
The council said the list did not meet the legal requirements, such as having a minimum number of female candidates and paying a deposit fee. The opposition denounced the decision as a political maneuver to exclude its leader, Ousmane Sonko, and other prominent opponents from running.
Ousmane Sonko
Sonko is a popular and outspoken critic of President Macky Sall, who has been in power since 2012. Sonko came third in the 2019 presidential election and is seen as a potential contender for the 2024 election.
He has accused Sall of corruption, nepotism, and authoritarianism. He has also faced legal troubles, such as being arrested in March on rape charges that he claims were fabricated to eliminate him from politics. His arrest triggered a wave of violent protests that left at least 14 people dead.
On June 18, thousands of Sonko’s supporters took to the streets in Dakar and other cities to demand his reinstatement on the ballot and to denounce Sall’s rule. The protests turned violent as protesters clashed with security forces, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.
According to Amnesty International, at least three people were killed and dozens were injured in the unrest. Several opposition figures were also arrested and charged with inciting violence and insurrection.
The protests have exposed the deepening political crisis and social discontent in Senegal, which is facing economic challenges, rising poverty, and high unemployment, especially among the youth.
They have also raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Senegal. Some observers have warned that Senegal’s democratic credentials are at risk of eroding under Sall’s administration, which has been accused of using the judiciary and security forces to silence dissent and consolidate power.
The international community, including regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the AU, have called for dialogue and restraint from all parties to preserve peace and stability in Senegal. They have also urged the government to respect the rights of citizens to protest peacefully and to participate in free and fair elections.
The opposition, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its mobilization until its demands are met. The outcome of the legislative elections, which will determine the composition of the 165-seat National Assembly, will have significant implications for Senegal’s political future and its role in West Africa.
Casamance
Casamance is a region in southern Senegal that has been the site of a separatist rebellion since 1982. The rebels, known as the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), claim that the region has been neglected and exploited by the central government in Dakar. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands of people. It has also hampered the development of the region, which is rich in natural resources and tourism potential.
The situation in Casamance has been affected by the recent political crisis and protests in Senegal over the government’s alleged attempts to sideline the opposition and manipulate the electoral process. Some observers have suggested that the government may be using the Casamance issue as a diversion from its domestic problems, or as a bargaining chip with the opposition.
In March 2022, the Senegalese army launched a military offensive against one of the factions of the MFDC, led by Salif Sadio, who is considered to be the most radical and violent among the rebel leaders. The offensive came after four Senegalese soldiers were killed and seven others captured by Sadio’s fighters in a border area with Gambia in January. The army said it aimed to dismantle Sadio’s bases and restore security in the area.
The offensive has put pressure on Sadio’s faction, which has been weakened by internal divisions, defections, and lack of external support. Some of his fighters have surrendered or fled to neighbouring countries. However, Sadio himself remains at large and has vowed to continue his struggle until independence is achieved.
Meanwhile, another faction of the MFDC, led by Cesar Atoute Badiate, who is seen as more moderate and pragmatic than Sadio, has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and end the conflict peacefully. In May 2023, Badiate’s faction signed a peace agreement with a local civil society group, known as Diakaye Platform for Peace, which has been mediating between the rebels and the authorities. The agreement calls for a ceasefire, disarmament, demining, and development projects in Casamance.
The government has welcomed the agreement as a positive step towards resolving the Casamance issue, but has also stressed that any dialogue with the rebels must be based on respect for Senegal’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. The government has also called on Sadio’s faction to join the peace process and renounce violence.
The prospects for peace in Casamance depend largely on the political will and commitment of both sides to find a lasting solution that addresses the root causes and grievances of the conflict.
It also requires the involvement and support of other actors, such as civil society groups, religious leaders, traditional authorities, neighbouring countries, and regional and international organisations. Peace in Casamance would not only benefit the people of the region, but also contribute to stability and development in Senegal and West Africa.
Senegal's interior minister said it had dissolved the party of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for rallying supporters into stoking violence during protests last month, prompting more calls for resistance as demonstrators clashed with police https://t.co/4JLXdqO0Hupic.twitter.com/qGBIiaZHR1
Meanwhile, the Dr Antwi-Danso warns that Ghana, despite being tagged as a respecter of democracy could be hit by the unexpected.
Dr Antwi-Danso indicated that the indiscipline in the country puts the nation at risk of a military taker.
“With Ghana, we should be very careful. Let’s not play the ostrich that everybody sees Ghana as a serious Democratic country.
“The level of indiscipline in the country, the lack of human security is such that when there is anything untoward, we will see some explosion in Ghana.
“There is hardly any country in the West African sub region that does not have the ingredient for implosion and that is what we should be thinking about,” he explained.
In response to last week’s coup in Niger, the United States has issued an order for the partial evacuation of its embassy in the country. The situation has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of foreign nationals, and on Sunday, protesters attacked the French embassy.
The coup leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, has issued a warning against any interference in the country’s internal affairs. Despite an official ban on demonstrations, protests in support of the coup are expected to take place on Thursday, coinciding with Niger’s independence day.
France, being Niger’s former colonial power, has requested the military junta, which now controls the country, to ensure the security of their embassy. The attack on the French diplomatic mission on Sunday led to the organization of evacuation flights.
According to France’s Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, more than 1,000 French citizens and other Europeans have been flown out of the country. As the situation unfolds, one resident in the capital city, Niamey, reported that everything had been relatively calm so far.
“People are doing their duty like they do it every day,” said Sidien.
In the nation’s capital, Niamey, hundreds of supporters of Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected president of Niger, have assembled for a large rally. Some of them are waving enormous Russian flags.
Following a summons from a coalition of civil society organizations on the day of the 63rd anniversary of the country’s independence from France, the protesters gathered at Independence Square in the center of the city on Thursday.
One of the protesters, Issiaka Hamadou, stated that regardless of whether assistance comes from “Russia, China, or Turkey, if they want to help us,” “only security that interests us” is what matters.
“We just don’t want the French, who have been looting us since 1960 – they’ve been there ever since and nothing has changed,” he said.
In order to combat armed groups in the Sahel, France deploys about 1,500 soldiers in Niger.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions have been imposed in response to the coup, and the African Union, United Nations, and Western nations have all condemned it.
But coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani remained defiant on Wednesday, saying he “refuses to give in to any threats, wherever they come from”.
The immediate release of Bazoum and his family is required, as well as the preservation of the nation’s democracy, according to a statement made earlier on Thursday by US President Joe Biden.
“In this critical moment, the United States stands with the people of Niger to honour our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” he said.
“The Nigerien people have the right to choose their leaders,” Biden said. “They have expressed their will through free and fair elections- and that must be respected.”
The removal of Bazoum, 63, has also been criticised by Russia which said the situation was “cause for serious concern”. The Kremlin’s comments came days after Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin appeared to show support for the coup.
Bazoum’s victory in the 2021 elections that ushered in Niger’s first peaceful transition of power was seen as a new start for a country that had seen four previous coup attempts since independence from France in 1960.
Leaving Niger
Amidst the political turmoil in Niger, ECOWAS made a demand on Sunday for the coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum to power within a week or face the potential “last resort” of military intervention. This call came alongside a violent demonstration outside the French embassy, where protesters smashed windows and chanted anti-French slogans.
In response to the escalating situation, several European countries have initiated evacuation operations to ensure the safety of their nationals. France, in particular, carried out an evacuation operation that saw almost 1,000 people being transported to safety, primarily consisting of French citizens, but also including individuals from the United States and Germany.
In light of the upcoming protests in Niamey on Thursday, France has also urged Niger’s new military government to guarantee the safety of its embassy. The French foreign ministry emphasized that such measures are vital to uphold foreign diplomatic rights and the safety of diplomatic personnel, as mandated by international law, especially under the Vienna Convention.
However, Niger’s new military government, as represented by Tchiani, expressed that French citizens had no reason to leave the country and were not facing any threats. Despite this stance, concerns remain high, and diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure the security and protection of all nationals during this tense period.
The United States has issued an order for the partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger in response to last week’s coup.
Numerous foreign nationals have already been evacuated from the country, and just recently, protesters targeted the French embassy on Sunday.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the coup, has cautioned against any interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
Despite an official prohibition on demonstrations, protests in support of the coup are anticipated on Thursday to coincide with Niger’s independence day.
France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, has requested assurances from the military junta now in control of the nation regarding the security of their embassy.
The attack on the French diplomatic facility led to the organization of evacuation flights.
There is an observed military presence around several embassies, ministry offices, and the presidential palace, as reported by Sadissou, who is located in Maradi, Niger’s second-largest city.
However, despite the apparent calm, he noted that the situation remains fragile.
“The situation has changed and so people are very anxious. They’re anxious about the future, about what’s going to happen.”
Niger holds notable status as a major uranium producer and is strategically positioned along a vital migratory path to North Africa and the Mediterranean.
According to the state department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a conversation with the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday. The state department emphasized the United States’ dedication to reinstating Niger’s democratically elected government.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson, affirmed that despite the partial evacuation, the US embassy in the capital city of Niamey would continue to operate.
“We remain committed to the people of Niger and our relationship with the people of Niger and we remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels,” he said.
The United States is a significant contributor of both humanitarian and security assistance to Niger, and it has previously cautioned that the coup could result in the suspension of all collaborative efforts.
The British embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, has also revealed its decision to decrease staff numbers due to the prevailing security circumstances.
France and the European Union have already suspended financial and developmental support.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a trade bloc encompassing 15 West African nations, has imposed sanctions that encompass a cessation of all commercial dealings with Niger and the freezing of the country’s assets within the regional central bank.
In addition, Niger’s power company has indicated that Nigeria, its neighboring country, has reduced electricity supplies, leading to extensive power outages. However, this claim has yet to be officially confirmed by Nigeria.
The coup has sparked significant demonstrations against France, a substantial partner, and has seen a surge in support for Russia, whose influence has grown in the west and central African regions in recent years.
On Sunday, a substantial gathering of protesters congregated outside the French embassy in Niamey. Among their chants were “Long live Russia,” “Long live Putin,” and “Down with France.” Additionally, there were instances of setting fire to parts of the embassy compound.
During evacuation efforts organized by the French government, a total of 262 individuals arrived in Paris on Wednesday. Italy also conducted an evacuation flight, landing in Rome with 87 individuals on board.
In his address, Gen Tchiani stated that French citizens in Niger had not encountered “the slightest threat.”
Niger, housing military bases for both France and the US, has played a pivotal role as a Western ally in the battle against jihadist extremism in the Sahel region.
After the military leadership in neighboring Mali chose to collaborate with the Russian Wagner mercenary group in 2021, France shifted the focal point of its regional counter-terrorism operations to Niger.
Leader of the recent military coup in Niger has strongly criticized the sanctions imposed on the country by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, labeling them as “illegitimate, unfair, and lacking compassion.”
General Abdourahamane Tchiani firmly asserted that his administration would not succumb to regional or international pressures to reinstate Niger’s elected President, Mohammed Bazoum.
During a televised address, General Tchiani also reassured that French citizens had no reason to be alarmed.
Following an attack on its embassy in Niamey by demonstrators on Sunday, Paris confirmed the successful evacuation of nearly 1,000 individuals, including 560 French nationals.
Late on Wednesday, the US State Department announced a partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger, urging non-essential staff and their families to depart.
In an effort to mediate with the coup leaders, an Ecowas delegation led by Nigeria’s former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has arrived in Niamey, the capital of Niger. Concurrently, West African military leaders have convened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, for discussions.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s military defense, informed the BBC that they view a military resolution as the final resort.
The presentation of their military strategy is scheduled for Friday, to be showcased before the heads of state of Ecowas.
Subsequently, these leaders will determine the subsequent steps to be taken by the regional bloc concerning Niger.
Following last week’s coup in Niger, ECOWAS has taken a strong stance by imposing sanctions on the country.
The regional bloc has also warned that the situation could escalate to the use of force within a week if the ousted President Bazoum is not reinstated.
In efforts to address the situation, ECOWAS dispatched a delegation to Niger for negotiations with the military officials who orchestrated the coup. Meanwhile, defense chiefs from the region have gathered for a two-day meeting in Nigeria to discuss the unfolding developments.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is resolute in its demand for the reinstatement of elected President Mohamed Bazoum within the specified timeframe.
“The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.
“There is a need to demonstrate that we cannot only bark but can bite,” he told reporters in Abuja.
Former Nigerian military leader Abdulsalami Abubakar is leading the ECOWAS delegation to Niger, and discussions with the military government have commenced in Niamey, according to Musah.
Additional details about the mission are not clear, as Amos Lungu, spokesperson for theECOWAS Commission, has not responded to queries from Al Jazeera.
The military administration in Niger is under the leadership of General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who formerly headed Bazoum’s presidential guard. Tchiani took control after detaining Bazoum in his palace on July 26 and subsequently declaring himself head of state.
Previously, ECOWAS had dispatched Benin President Patrice Talon and interim military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby from Chad to engage in negotiations with Tchiani.
ECOWAS has encountered challenges in halting the decline of democratic practices in West Africa. Several member states, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, have experienced coups within the past two years. Additionally, there was an attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau.
However, ECOWAS has adopted its most resolute stance yet towards Niger. This includes the implementation of various sanctions, such as the closure of regional borders with the nation.
The bloc also slapped financial sanctions on the coup leaders and the country, freezing “all commercial and financial transactions” between member states and Niger, one of the world’s poorest nations, often ranking last on the United Nations Human Development Index.
A source at Niger’s power company Nigelec told the AFP news agency on Wednesday that neighbouring Nigeria has disconnected the high-voltage line transporting electricity to Niger. The latter depends on Nigeria for 70 percent of its power.
Niger coup supporters attack French embassy Niger is a key Western ally in a fight against armed groups and the coup has been condemned by foreign powers who fear it could allow the groups to gain ground.
“The UK very much welcomes ECOWAS’ actions and [they] are indeed decisive actions with a strong commitment to democracy,” said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly after meeting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday.
The coup leaders announced overnight they had reopened Niger’s land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Libya after closing them last week.
The reopened land borders are mainly in remote desert areas. Niger’s key entryways for trade and commerce remain closed due to imposed by ECOWAS.
France, the United States, Germany, and Italy have troops in Niger on anti-rebel and training missions, helping the army to fight groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
There has been no announcement of troops being withdrawn so far. Germany’s defence minister said on Wednesday that there were no concerns about the safety of German soldiers.
Any Western military intervention to restore democracy must be ruled out, as it would be “perceived as a new colonisation”, said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
In the aftermath of last week’s coup in Niger, major cities in the country are experiencing frequent power outages.
The electricity company of Niger, Nigelec, has attributed these blackouts to Nigeria cutting off its power supplies to its northern neighbor.
As a response to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger, but it remains unclear if these sanctions include restrictions on electricity supplies.
Amidst the crisis, ECOWAS defense chiefs are holding a meeting in Nigeria to address the situation in Niger.
Furthermore, West African leaders have given the military junta in Niger a one-week ultimatum to relinquish power or face the possibility of military intervention.
In response to the escalating situation, some European countries are currently evacuating their citizens from Niger.
Power supply in the cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder has been disrupted, with residents experiencing one-hour power intervals followed by up to five hours of outage. Such power cuts are unusual in Niger, a country that typically enjoys regular and reliable electricity supply. The reason for these outages lies in Niger’s heavy dependence on its wealthier neighbor, Nigeria, as its primary source of electricity.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has chosen not to comment on the power cuts in Niger. However, an anonymous source revealed to the BBC that the supply was cut following a presidential directive issued on Tuesday.
The military coup in Niger last week resulted in the overthrow of democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum by his own presidential guards. This led to the suspension of the constitution and the installation of Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, the chief of the presidential guard, as the head of state.
In light of the ongoing situation, the military government has announced the re-opening of Niger’s borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad. However, its borders with Nigeria remain closed.
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is currently holding a meeting in Niger as mediation efforts continue following the coup. The delegation is led by Nigeria’s former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, who played a significant role in Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy in 1999. Nigeria’s most senior Muslim leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, is also reportedly part of the delegation, and he holds substantial influence in Niger due to the historical ties between the two regions.
In response to the political instability, evacuation flights have begun to transport European citizens out of Niger. Recently, 262 French citizens arrived in Paris. However, there have been anti-French sentiments in the country, leading to demonstrations against the former colonial power, with the French embassy being targeted.
Despite the situation, France has no current plans to repatriate around 1,000 French soldiers stationed in Niger as part of their efforts to counter Islamist militants.
Following the coup last week, major cities in Niger are currently experiencing rolling blackouts.
According to Nigelec, the energy utility of Niger, Nigeria has suspended supply to its northern neighbour as a result of the power shortages.
Sanctions have been placed on Niger as a result of the coup by the West African trading bloc ECOWAS, but it is unclear if these measures cover electrical supplies.
The Niger conflict is the topic of a meeting between ECOWAS defence chiefs in Nigeria.
The military junta in Niger was given a week to resign or risk military intervention by West African leaders on Sunday.
European nations are currently pulling their citizens out of Niger.
The power is only on for roughly an hour at a period for residents of the cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder before being shut off for up to five hours.
In Niger, where supplies are often consistent and reliable, power outages like these are uncommon.
However, Nigeria, the nation’s wealthier neighbour to the south, is highly reliant on it as its primary source of electricity.
Regarding the power outages in Niger, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has refrained from speaking.However, a source who would not be named informed the BBC that a presidential decree caused the supply to Niger to be turned off on Tuesday.
The democratically elected president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was deposed by his own presidential guards who were stationed outside his palace last week.
Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard, was appointed president while the constitution was suspended.
The Niger’s borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad will now be reopened, according to the military government. It still has closed borders with Nigeria.
Following the coup, mediation is continuing, and a delegation from Ecowas (the Economic Community of West African States) is meeting in Niger on Wednesday. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military head of state in Nigeria who managed the nation’s 1999 transition from military rule to democracy, is currently in charge of it.
According to reports, the delegation also includes Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is Nigeria’s most senior Muslim leader. He is also quite powerful in Niger, which was once a part of the Sokoto Caliphate, a stronghold before colonial administration.
The first evacuation flights have now begun to land in Europe. Early on Wednesday, 262 French nationals arrived in Paris amid anti-French sentiment in the nation.
Following the coup, there have been protests against the former colonial power, and the French embassy has even come under attack.
Regarding the roughly 1,000 French soldiers stationed there as part of operations to combat Islamist militants, France claims it has no intentions to send them home.
The recent coup in Niger has sent shockwaves throughout West Africa, raising concerns about the stability of neighbouring countries.
In light of this development, security expert Vladimir Antwi-Danso has issued a stark warning about the potential implications for Ghana.
Speaking to Joy News’ Benjamin Akakpo on the AM Show, Antwi-Danso highlighted the need for vigilance and urged Ghana not to underestimate the risk of similar upheavals.
He expressed that the level of indiscipline and lack of human security within the country could make it susceptible to internal unrest and called for a collective effort to safeguard democratic principles and stability in the region.
This he explained is because, West African countries, to a large extent, share similar characteristics that make them vulnerable to political unrest.
He emphasized that “regime security” should be a thing of the past, and governments must prioritize “human security” to ensure collective progress. However, he expressed concern that many governments within the sub-region focus more on electoral politics and global norms of democracy, rather than genuinely upholding the rule of law.
“The point is that we have similar specificities within the West African sub Region. Regime security should have been a thing of the past, and human security assures the people of a collective way of moving forward. Unfortunately, government upon government within the sub Region are thinking about the next election, satisfying global norms that there is democracy – frequent elections, institutions of state etc. Rule of law. But then there is no rule of law,” he said.
Antwi-Danso cited Senegal as a concerning example, where underlying issues of unemployment and social unrest are simmering beneath the surface.
He pointed out that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be vigilant and proactive in addressing such challenges before they escalate into larger crises.
He warned against waiting for military intervention as a signal of trouble, indicating that systemic coups, driven by a need to avert implosion, could become more prevalent.
“It is only when the soldiers come in that we believe that something odd has happened. Look at what is happening in Senegal. What is ECOWAS waiting for before they trigger of the Panel of the wise to be able to at least, cool things down. And they have a problem with Casamance already. And then the population, a lot of them, it is about 18-20 percent unemployment rate in Senegal, and yet what is happening is so bad.
And when it goes so bad what happens is what I talk about as Systemic Coup. The military will just see that let us intervene before there is an implosion. So I will not be surprised that in future, you will see something like that in Senegal also,” he explained.
Ghana’s vulnerabilities
While Ghana has long been regarded as a beacon of democracy in the region, Antwi-Danso cautioned against complacency.
He believes that the country faces its own set of vulnerabilities, citing a high level of indiscipline and a lack of human security as major sources of concern.
Both of these factors, he believes, could contribute to potential explosions of unrest in the country as is already evident in the series of protests that has transpired over the years.
“With Ghana, we should be very careful. Let’s not play the ostrich that everybody sees Ghana as a serious Democratic country. The level of indiscipline in the country, the lack of human security is such that when there is anything untoward, we will see some explosion in Ghana,” he noted.
Antwi-Danso urged Ghanaian authorities and regional bodies to address the root causes of potential instability, promote human security, and prioritize the well-being of citizens.
The West African sub-region as a whole, also needs to recognize and address all security risks that service as ingredients for internal conflicts, to ensure lasting peace and stability, he added.
In other ways
Security
The coup could worsen the threat of terrorism and instability in the region, as Niger is a key partner of Ghana and other countries in fighting jihadist groups.
The UN envoy for West Africa, Léonardo Santos Simão, briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York following the coup, has warned that the Niger crisis could escalate terrorism throughout West Africa if not addressed quickly.
Economy
The coup in Niger could also have negative economic consequences for Ghana and other West African countries. Niger is a landlocked country that depends on its neighbours for trade and transit. ECOWAS has suspended all commercial and financial transactions between Niger and its 15 member states, as well as frozen the country’s assets in its central banks.
The coup could disrupt trade and commerce between Ghana and Niger, especially for goods such as onions, which Ghana imports from Niger.
For example, some onion sellers in Ghana are worried about possible shortages and price increase due to the ECOWAS border restrictions on Niger following the coup.
Niger is one of the main suppliers of onions to Ghana, as well as other countries such as Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
The coup could also affect foreign investment and aid to Niger, which could have spillover effects on its neighbours.
According to the World Bank, Niger received US$1.4 billion in net official development assistance in 2019, equivalent to 13.4 per cent of its GDP. Any disruption or reduction of this assistance could worsen the humanitarian situation in Niger and affect its ability to provide basic services to its population, which could cause a refugee crisis.
Diplomacy
The coup in Niger could also pose diplomatic challenges for Ghana and other West African countries. Ghana is one of the leading democracies in the region, having successfully conducted eight peaceful elections since 1992.
It is also a strong advocate of regional integration and cooperation through Ecowas. Ghana has condemned the coup in Niger and called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.
However, Ghana could face pressure from other actors, such as France, the UN, or the AU, to take a more active role in resolving the crisis or supporting sanctions against Niger. Ghana could also face difficulties in balancing its relations with other West African countries that have different views or interests on the coup.
For instance, Ghana has close ties with Burkina Faso and Mali, which are both led by military juntas after recent coups. Ghana could be seen as siding with either the pro-democracy or pro-military camp in West Africa, depending on its actions or statements on the Niger coup.
The Niger coup could have significant impacts on Ghana’s political stability, economic development, and diplomatic relations. The situation requires careful monitoring and engagement from Ghana and other West African countries to prevent further deterioration or escalation of violence or instability.
Ghanaian musician Kwaw Kese has in a tweet commented on the current political turmoil in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, expressing his concern and hoping that Ghanaian politicians are observing the regional instability.
The West African region has been facing various challenges, with political instability and armed conflicts affecting multiple countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
On May 24, 2021, Mali’s President, Bah N’daw, Prime Minister, Moctar Ouane, and Minister of Defence, Souleymane Doucoure were captured by the Malian Army led by Vice President, Assimi Goita. N’daw and OUane were subsequently stripped of their powers pending 2022 general elections.
In September 2022, a coup d’etat took place in Burkina Faso, barely 10 months after the last one that removed democratically elected Christian Roch Marc Kabore from power. Reports of heavy artillery gunfire in the wee hours of September 30 and heavy military presence in parts of the capital Ouagadougou raised fears of a takeover.
On July 26, 2023, soldiers appeared on national TV in Niger to announce the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum. The officials numbering 10 belonged to different institutions of the security architecture reading by their uniforms.
The announcer identified as Col. Major Amadou Abdramane, wearing a blue uniform was seated as the nine others lined up behind him. The announcement aside from confirming the ouster of Bazoum, dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the country’s borders.
Reacting to this, Kwaw Kese tweeted: “Whatever is happening in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is not too far away from Ghana. I hope our politicians are taking notes.”
Whatever is happening in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is not too far away from Ghana. I hope our politicians are taking notes 📝
In order to reverse a military coup, Niger‘s first democratically elected president has appealed for international assistance.
Undoing the coup, said to Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, is essential to protect democracy in West Africa.
Mr. Mahamadou is currently in France because, when borders closed as a result of the coup, he was abroad for international meetings.
He claimed that protecting countries further south “against the spread of terrorism” and supporting democracy in the area should be anchored by Niger.
Because Niger is a vulnerable nation, Mr. Mahamadou called the coup a calamity. Nearly four million individuals already reside in this nation with food insecurity.
A 300,000-strong number of internally displaced individuals live in this nation.
Last week, coup leaders announced the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on live television.
According to the constitution of Niger, the president has a wide range of authorities, including the choice of the prime minister.
On Sunday, the ECOWAS regional organisation in West Africa issued travel and economic restrictions against Niger and threatened to use force if the coup leaders did not restore Mr. Bazoum within a week.
Spain, Italy, and France all declared citizen evacuations on Tuesday.
Mr. Mahamadou pointed out that since 2020, there have been three comparable instances in Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
The whole of West Africa’s democracy is in jeopardy if a fourth coup is verified, he continued, adding that there is no reason why a fifth coup shouldn’t occur, followed by a sixth.
For the ECOWAS nations, survival is at stake. It’s a credibility issue for the entire world community. Niger must continue to be a democratic nation.
One of the West’s final democratic allies in the fight against Islamic radicals in West Africa was his administration.
In terms of security, not just for the rest of Africa but also for the rest of the world, Niger is a crucial nation, And Mr. Mahamadou.
Because “the armed forces are preoccupied with issues other than ensuring the country’s security, you can understand that this will enable the jihadists to move forward on the ground,” he cautioned that Niger’s current instability “could encourage the further development of insecurity linked to jihadists.”
The president “is definitely a hostage,” according to Mr. Mahamadou, who added that he is in contact with Mr. Bazoum and that the president is “in good spirits” and “ready to face the situation.”
Because they claim to be “patriots,” he thought the coup leaders would accept the ECOWAS request to reinstate Mr. Bazoum rather than risk military involvement.
Niger is currently facing a complex and challenging situation with no apparent favorable solutions. The West is at risk of losing its strategic counter-terrorism bases in the region, and any military intervention by Ecowas could potentially trigger a civil war.
As the evacuation of French nationals proceeds, there are concerns about the subsequent abandonment of US and French military bases, leading to the withdrawal of their 2,500 troops involved in supporting Niger’s fight against jihadist insurgents.
Amidst this uncertainty, it is evident that the population of Niger will not benefit. Although the presence of Western forces was not universally popular, the country received significant financial aid and military assistance, which has now ceased.
The sudden appearance of Russian flags on the streets raises suspicions that Russia’s Wagner mercenary group might seize the opportunity to fill the void left by the departing troops.
For jihadist groups like Boko Haram, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State, active in the Sahel region, this disruption and uncertainty serve as a strategic advantage, providing them with opportunities to exploit the situation.
In the aftermath a presidential coup threw the West African nation into a political crisis that alienated its neighbors, France was ready to withdraw French and European people from Niger on Tuesday.
The first evacuation plane was “airborne,” according to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, but she did not say whether it was headed to or from Niger.
The minister told French network LCI that France will remove “several hundred French and several hundred European” nationals who want to leave Niger, adding that she expects the operation will be finished in a day.
The ministry said it would remove French and European citizens on Tuesday due to the “situation in Niamey,” where pro-military supporters rallied outside the French Embassy in the Nigerien capital to demonstrate against the country’s post-colonial influence.
As reported by CNN, the French embassy in Niger has issued a message to French citizens in the country, providing instructions for those who wish to be evacuated. The message advises them to bring food and water with them while they await boarding for the evacuation.
In response to the situation, Italy has also announced that it will offer a special flight to evacuate its citizens from Niamey, as stated by the country’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday. According to a spokesperson from the Italian Foreign Ministry, there are currently fewer than 90 Italian civilians and just over 300 military personnel in Niger.
In the meantime, Burkina Faso and Mali have issued a joint statement expressing their stance on the matter. They have stated that any military intervention against Niger would be considered an act of war against them. This comes after other West African leaders imposed financial and travel penalties against the coup plotters in Niger.
“All military intervention against Niger will be considered equivalent to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” the two countries said in a joint statement on Monday.
The recent ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday has elicited mixed reactions from countries in the Sahel region, which have been grappling with the threat of militant extremism and its destabilizing effects on local governments.
In response to the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a stern warning to the military junta on Sunday, demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum. The regional body made it clear that they would not hesitate to consider the “use of force” if their demands were not met within one week.
To exert pressure on the coup perpetrators, ECOWAS imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as on their family members. Furthermore, the ban extends to civilians who agree to participate in any institutions or government established by the coup leaders. This decisive action aims to send a strong message against any attempts to disrupt the constitutional order in the region.
The detention of former government ministers by Niger’s new junta was denounced and their immediate release was sought by the European Union on Monday
“The EU denounces the continued arrests of ministers and senior officials of President Mohamed Bazoum’s government by the putschists in Niger,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter, renamed X. “We call for their immediate release ,” he added.
Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum ‘s party has warned that the West African country is at risk of becoming a “dictatorial and totalitarian regime” after a series of arrests. The Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS, in power), denounced the “abusive arrests” of four ministers – Interior, Petroleum, Mines and Transport – as well as the head of its national executive committee.
The European Union, which views Niger as a crucial pillar of security in the unstable Sahel area, has denounced the coup there. It stopped providing fiscal assistance to Niamey and issued a warning that it might follow this coup with fresh sanctions.
The elite presidential guard overthrew Mr. Bazoum on July 26, a Western friend whose victory just over two years ago marked the first peaceful transfer of power in Niger since independence.
Despite having uranium resources, Niger is one of the world’s poorest nations. It is the third nation in the area to have a coup since 2020, following Mali and Burkina Faso, and is beset by attacks from organizations affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
Residents of Niamey, the capital of Niger, are responding to the recent announcement of France’s intention to evacuate its nationals from the country.
On Tuesday, both France and Italy made preparations to airlift their citizens and other European residents from Niger.
This decision comes six days after a coup resulted in the ousting of President Mohammed Bazoom, who was considered one of the last pro-Western leaders in the Sahel region, which has been facing challenges from jihadist group
“I dare say that we live in symbiosis with this French population living in Niger, so they really have no reason to repatriate them. As far as we’re concerned, this is yet another failure on the part of French politicians, and one that we all condemn.” Idrissa Adamou Kimba, resident of Niamey
“We don’t have a problem with the French, European nationals, we have problems with European governments, if they said they were going to repatriate their population, they only have to repatriate their army first.” Hamidou Ali, resident of Niamey
Amid the deteriorating security situation in Niamey, the French embassy conveyed a message to its citizens, stating that an air evacuation operation is being organized, taking advantage of the relatively calm conditions in the area.
The evacuations are expected to occur promptly within a short timeframe.
The initial flight from Paris has already departed, and it was reported that unarmed military transporters, capable of accommodating more than 200 people, would be used for the evacuation.
The French foreign ministry estimated that there were about 600 French nationals in Niger but did not disclose the number of individuals wishing to leave.
Meanwhile, an Italian government spokesperson in Rome mentioned that a “special flight” would be provided for Italians who wanted to leave the country, although they emphasized that it was not classified as an evacuation.
In Niamey, one resident, Almoctar Boukari, expressed discontent and held France responsible for the challenges faced by Africans in Niger, urging them to leave the country.
The situation in Niger has drawn regional and international attention. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger and warned of possible military intervention if the coup leaders do not reinstate President Bazoum. The junta accused France of seeking military intervention, which France denied, while neighboring countries under junta rule, Mali and Burkina Faso, warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered an act of war against them.
Niger is experiencing instability in a nation that has faced multiple coups since gaining independence in 1960. President Bazoum had previously survived two attempted coups before the recent events that led to his detention by the Presidential Guard. However, the junta’s claim to leadership has been rejected internationally by various organizations and countries, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, France, the United States, and the European Union.
The coup in Niger has raised concerns among Western nations dealing with a jihadist insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012 and spread into Niger and Burkina Faso. This insurgency threatens the stability of fragile states in the Gulf of Guinea region and has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of populations. France and the United States have had military deployments in the region, with France reconfiguring its force and focusing on Niger last year after withdrawing troops from Mali and Burkina Faso.
The military takeovers in the Sahel region have been accompanied by anti-French and pro-Russian sentiments, with Mali forging closer ties with Russia, leading to the deployment of Russian military hardware and paramilitaries, which Western nations claim to be Wagner mercenaries. The situation remains concerning and complex as regional and international stakeholders seek to address the security challenges in the region.
Any military action taken against the leaders of last week’s coup in Niger would be viewed as a “declaration of war” against those countries, according to the military governments of Burkina Faso and Mali.
Following threats from West African leaders to use force to restore deposed Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s neighbors on Monday issued the warning in unified declarations that were read out on their national broadcasters.
“The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity … to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history,” the military governments of the two countries said.
“Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they warned, adding that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”.
The military authorities of Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed their refusal to adhere to the “illegal, illegitimate, and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger” in response to the coup that took place in Niger on July 26. This coup has created ripples across West Africa, leading to divisions among the country’s former Western allies and regional bodies and other nations in the region.
The coup leaders in Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former presidential guard chief, cited poor governance and dissatisfaction with President Bazoum’s handling of security threats from al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups as the reasons behind their actions.
This coup marks the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa, prompting immediate condemnation from the African Union, the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, and other influential powers.
The regional bloc ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including a halt in all financial transactions and a freeze of national assets. It has also indicated the possibility of authorizing force to reinstate President Bazoum, who is believed to be under house arrest in Niamey, the capital.
In response to the sanctions, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have expressed their disagreement. Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya, whose government also came to power through a coup, stated that the sanctions would not solve the current problem and could lead to a humanitarian disaster extending beyond Niger’s borders. Guinea’s government has decided not to apply the sanctions, considering them illegitimate and inhumane, and has called on ECOWAS to reconsider its position.
Meanwhile, the coup leaders in Niger have attempted to consolidate their control by arresting top officials of the toppled government. The situation in Niger has drawn international concern, with the United States, France, and Germany calling for a restoration of President Bazoum to power.
Amid the coup’s aftermath, anti-French sentiments have fueled protests outside Paris’s embassy in Niamey, with demonstrators expressing support for Russia. There are concerns that the instability in Niger may present opportunities for groups like the Wagner Group, a Russian private mercenary company, to exert influence.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, spoke approvingly of the coup, while the Kremlin in Russia expressed serious concern over the situation in Niger. The developments in Niger are closely monitored by the international community due to their potential implications for regional stability and security.
International Relations Analyst, Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso, has shared the recent coup in Niger comes as no surprise, as he believes all the necessary elements for a coup are present in Africa.
He pointed out that the signs of Niger’s potential coup were evident following the toppling of the Malian leader.
Dr. Antwi Danso had previously expressed his concerns during a meeting discussing Mali, where he predicted that Niger could be susceptible to a coup, but unfortunately, his warning went unheeded.
Regarding the possibility of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) taking military action in Niger, he doubts its effectiveness, stating that such a move could exacerbate the situation.
The analyst emphasized that any democratic system in Africa that doesn’t truly cater to the needs of its people is prone to facing similar repercussions.
Dr. Antwi Danso stressed the importance of tailoring the continent’s democracy to align with its socio-historical and cultural realities as a crucial step towards political stability.
The French foreign ministry has announced its plans to promptly initiate the evacuation of its citizens in Niger following the recent coup.
Amid the deteriorating security situation, the French embassy in Niamey conveyed that preparations for air evacuations were underway and would occur within a very limited timeframe, according to the AFP report.
Last week, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown when troops from his presidential guard seized power.
Notably, this is the third Sahelian country, following Burkina Faso and Mali, to experience a coup in less than three years.
These incidents have been accompanied by growing anti-French sentiments, leading these nations to strengthen their ties with Russia.
AFP news agency has reported that, the PNDS party has expressed concerns that Niger might transform into a “dictatorial and totalitarian regime” in the aftermath of the military junta taking control.
The party reported that several prominent figures, including Oil Minister Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Mining Minister Ousseini Hadizatou, and Fourmakoye Gado, the head of the party’s national executive committee, have been detained. In total, 130 party activists have been held since Sunday.
The coup leaders have made claims, unsupported by evidence, that an attack on the presidential palace to free President Mohamed Bazoum is imminent, alleging that France might be involved in such a plot.
