President Tinubu Calls for Restoring Democracy in West Africa Following Coup in Niger
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently leads the regional bloc Ecowas, has expressed concern over the recent coup in neighboring Niger, calling it a test for democracy in West Africa. Since assuming the chairmanship of Ecowas three weeks ago, President Tinubu has emphasized the need to strengthen regional forces to combat militant Islamists and prevent further coups in the region.
In response to the military seizure of power in Niger, President Tinubu swiftly convened a summit of West African leaders at his presidential villa to address the situation. The regional bloc issued an ultimatum to Niger’s junta, demanding that power be handed back to the elected president within a week or face “all measures necessary to restore constitutional order,” including the use of force.
While President Tinubu’s own victory in Nigeria’s presidential election earlier this year is currently being challenged in court by opposition candidates, he has positioned himself as a democrat who actively participated in the campaign against military rule in the 1980s. Analysts suggest that he sees the coup in Niger as a direct affront to his democratic credentials, especially during his tenure as Ecowas chairman.
The coup in Niger has significant implications for Nigeria, as the two countries share a border and have strong cultural and trade ties. Both countries have been targeted by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, and a multinational military force involving Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon has been combating the group. Additionally, Niger is a major producer of uranium, raising concerns about the security of the radioactive material falling into the wrong hands.
The response to the coup is complicated by the fact that previous coups in Mali and Burkina Faso resulted in closer ties with Russia. The junta in Niger has shown resistance to Ecowas’ ultimatum and has escalated its rhetoric against the West and the regional bloc. Thousands of supporters of the coup took to the streets in Niger’s capital, Niamey, waving pro-Russian flags.
However, a survey conducted last year by Afrobarometer indicates that a majority of Niger’s citizens were satisfied with how democracy functioned in their country. While this suggests that the military takeover may not have widespread support, the survey also found that two-thirds of respondents believed that the military had the right to intervene when elected leaders abuse their power, a sentiment often used to justify coups.
Ecowas has warned against military intervention in Niger, as it could potentially escalate into a full-scale conflict. Nonetheless, the regional bloc has previously deployed troops in various countries to restore peace and stability, though their actions have not been without controversy and allegations of human rights abuses.
Some analysts question Ecowas’ military capability to intervene in Niger, particularly given the security challenges faced by many member countries, including Nigeria. They suggest that a diplomatic resolution would be preferable to avoid further casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
There are also concerns about the safety of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently being held captive by the junta. Analysts speculate that he could become a “bargaining chip” if military confrontation between Ecowas and the junta ensues, as his fate could affect the legitimacy of the coup leaders.
The situation in Niger remains volatile, and the response from President Tinubu and Ecowas will be crucial in determining the future of democracy and stability in West Africa.