Title: West Africa’s ECOWAS Bloc to Send Parliamentary Committee to Niger Amidst Resistance to Restore Civilian Rule
Date: August 12, 2023
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans to dispatch a parliamentary committee to Niger in an effort to meet with coup leaders who took power last month and have so far resisted calls to reinstate civilian rule. This move comes as West African nations fear the potential consequences for regional stability, specifically in the face of a deteriorating security situation due to the presence of Islamist militants.
Niger’s military detained President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolved the elected government in a move that has drawn widespread criticism from neighboring countries and regional powers. In response, these regional powers have activated a standby military force that they intend to deploy as a last resort if diplomacy fails.
Despite extensive diplomatic efforts by ECOWAS, the United States, and other countries, coup leaders, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, have rejected all attempts to resolve the crisis through peaceful negotiations. This has raised concerns about the possibility of further conflict in the already troubled Sahel region of West Africa, which is plagued by a deadly insurgency conducted by Islamist extremist groups.
The fate of Niger, a major uranium producer and an important ally in the fight against militants, hangs in the balance. Additionally, the influence of rival global powers with strategic interests in West and Central Africa is at stake. The region has experienced seven coups in the past three years, prompting international powers to closely monitor the situation in Niger.
Niger is home to the presence of U.S., French, German, and Italian troops, stationed in the country to combat the local affiliates of al Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have inflicted widespread violence resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.
Amidst increasing insecurity and the erosion of democracy in the region, Russian influence has surged as leaders seek new partners to restore order.
On Saturday, the ECOWAS parliament convened to discuss further action regarding the crisis in Niger. While no decision was reached, a committee was formed to seek Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s permission to travel to Niger. Tinubu currently holds the revolving chairmanship of ECOWAS.
Western powers are concerned that Niger could follow in the footsteps of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, where former colonial power France was expelled following coups in those countries. Mali, in particular, has since partnered with Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, resulting in a sharp increase in violence. Moreover, Mali has expelled a United Nations peacekeeping force, raising fears of further conflict.
In Niamey, Niger’s capital, thousands of protesters voiced their support for the coup outside a French military base. Signs read “Long live Russia” and “Down with France… Down with ECOWAS” as some demonstrators expressed optimism that the arrival of Russian mercenaries would protect them from terrorism.
In the coming days, regional army chiefs are expected to convene, potentially discussing the possibility of intervention in Niger. However, the timeframe, size, and nature of any potential ECOWAS force remain unclear. Security analysts predict that it could take weeks for such a force to be assembled and deployed.
So far, only Ivory Coast has disclosed the number of troops it would contribute, while several countries, including Liberia and Cape Verde, have voiced a preference for diplomatic solutions. Russia has explicitly cautioned against military action.
The African Union, the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations have all expressed concerns about President Bazoum’s detention. U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also highlighted the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Niger, warning that they may amount to a violation of international human rights law.
As tensions escalate and the situation in Niger continues to evolve, the international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring developments in this pivotal West African nation.
Reporting by Felix Onuah and Edward McAllister; Writing by Edward McAllister
Editing by Ingrid Melander, Mark Potter, and Giles Elgood