Niger’s military leaders exhibited defiance on Monday, disregarding an ultimatum demanding the reinstatement of the elected government. The prospect of potential military intervention still loomed, though no foreign forces were observed on the streets of Niamey, the capital, after the designated deadline passed on Sunday. The regional body ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) had not yet publicly addressed the coup leaders’ uncooperative stance.
A source closely associated with ECOWAS revealed that an immediate military intervention to restore President Mohamed Bazoum was not currently under consideration. However, a summit involving member nation leaders could be convened in the coming days to determine the subsequent course of action. This comes as countries like Italy and Germany advocated for a diplomatic solution to the challenges faced by the West African nation.
Mali, a neighboring nation, declared its solidarity with Niger by dispatching a joint official delegation, along with Burkina Faso, despite their suspension from ECOWAS due to their own military coups. Both countries stressed that military intervention would escalate into a declaration of war.
Niger’s military authorities had effectively closed the nation’s airspace, leading to a lack of air traffic on Monday, as indicated by the Flightradar24 flight tracking website.
Italy and Germany joined voices in urging ECOWAS to extend the deadline and pursue a diplomatic approach. Italy’s foreign ministry spokesperson affirmed their support for ECOWAS’ ongoing mediation efforts.
Algeria, a neighbor of Niger, cautioned against resorting to a military solution, emphasizing the potential threat it posed to Algeria itself.
In Nigeria, influential senators, given the country’s heavyweight status in the region and its presidency of ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of prioritizing political and diplomatic alternatives.
As the ultimatum’s expiry approached on Sunday, Niger’s military rulers took measures such as closing the nation’s airspace and issuing warnings against any unauthorized entry. They hinted at pre-deployments made by unidentified Central African countries in preparation for intervention.
Former colonial power France, whose military ties with Niger’s new leadership had been severed, expressed its firm support for ECOWAS’ chosen course of action post-deadline.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara joined in condemning the attempted coup, deeming it a grave threat to regional peace and security. He stressed the necessity of upholding the constitutional order and allowing Bazoum to govern.
The recent coup in Niger adds to a series of similar incidents affecting the Sahel region of Africa since 2020.
Niger has held a crucial role in Western efforts to counter jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel since 2012, with France and the United States maintaining significant troop presence. France has already evacuated a substantial number of its citizens from Niger following the coup. Italy’s defense ministry confirmed the evacuation of military personnel from Niger, along with a smaller contingent from the United States, on Sunday.
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