In the midst of a political upheaval, Niger’s elected president remains deposed almost a month after the military coup. The situation shows no signs of being resolved, with tensions rising between the coup leaders and regional countries.
General Tiani, the leader of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) – the ruling body established after the coup – addressed the nation on Saturday. In his speech, he warned regional countries about potential military intervention. Tiani emphasized that neither the CNSP nor the people of Niger want war, and they remain open to dialogue. However, he made it clear that any attack on their nation would not be taken lightly.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has already expressed its displeasure with the coup and its immediate consequences. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, announced on Friday that 11 out of the organization’s 15 member states have agreed to commit troops to a potential military intervention. He stated that they are “ready to go.” ECOWAS has been adamant about restoring President Bazoum to his functions, and military action has not been ruled out to achieve this goal.
General Tiani’s warning came after his first meeting with an ECOWAS delegation. During this meeting, he promised that the coup leaders’ intention was not to seize power permanently. Instead, Tiani announced a period of national dialogue to pave the way for “a new constitutional life.” He expressed his desire for stakeholders to come together and formulate concrete proposals within 30 days, with the aim of defining the fundamental principles that should govern the transition and prioritizing its timeline, which should last no longer than a few months.
In his 12-minute speech, General Tiani also denounced what he referred to as “illegal” and “inhuman” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS against Niger since the military coup. However, his transition plans presented on Saturday night appear to be in direct contradiction to ECOWAS demands for the restoration of President Bazoum.
It is worth noting that the 11 member states that have agreed to intervene militarily do not include the bloc’s three other countries currently under military rule following their own respective coups: Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The latter two nations have come out strongly against any intervention in Niger, warning that it would be perceived as an act of war.
The political crisis in Niger continues to be a cause for concern, both within the country and among its neighbouring nations. The presence of a potential military intervention raises the stakes even higher. As ECOWAS considers its options and navigates the delicate balance between restoring democracy and maintaining peace, the people of Niger and the international community eagerly await a resolution to this crisis.
Image Credit: ORTN/Reuters
