Tensions Rise as ECOWAS Orders Troop Deployment to Niger
NIAMEY, Niger – Tensions are escalating between Niger’s new military regime and the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, after troops were ordered to be deployed to restore Niger’s flailing democracy. ECOWAS stated on Thursday that it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. However, the junta responsible for spearheading the coup, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has threatened to kill Bazoum if neighboring countries intervene militarily.
The deployment details are still unclear, including the timing, location, and countries that will contribute to the force. Conflict experts believe that approximately 5,000 troops led by Nigeria could be ready within weeks. President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast announced that his country would take part in the military operation alongside Nigeria and Benin.
Niger, an impoverished country of 25 million people, was seen as a crucial ally for Western nations in combating a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that has ravaged the region. France and the United States, in partnership with other European countries, have invested substantial resources into supporting Niger’s military.
However, many Nigeriens in the capital, Niamey, disagree with ECOWAS’ decision to intervene. They argue that ECOWAS is detached from the reality on the ground and should not interfere in Niger’s affairs. These sentiments can be attributed to anti-French sentiments that the junta has exploited to strengthen its support base.
While the African Union expressed strong support for ECOWAS’ decision and called for the immediate release of President Bazoum, France’s foreign ministry and the United States’ Secretary of State Antony Blinken also offered their support. Blinken emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution but did not explicitly state whether the U.S. supported the deployment of troops.
The threat to kill Bazoum has raised concerns among experts and officials. Political science professor Alexander Thurston warned that such an act would violate the unwritten rules surrounding overthrown presidents and evoke memories of violent coups in the past.
Human Rights Watch revealed that President Bazoum had been denied access to medical care for his critically ill son and was facing electricity and communication restrictions. Aid groups have also been impacted by ECOWAS sanctions, with the movement of goods being banned and restrictions imposed on humanitarian operations within the country.
As the region oscillates between mediation and preparing for potential military action, the suffering of the Nigerien people is intensifying. The United Nations has warned that the closure of borders and airspace is making it difficult to bring in humanitarian aid, exacerbating an already dire situation for the country’s 4 million people reliant on assistance.
The situation in Niger remains uncertain, with analysts highlighting the unprecedented challenge of an ECOWAS invasion in a country of Niger’s size and population. Niger’s fairly large and well-trained army could pose significant problems for the regional bloc if it actively resists the intervention.
The African Union is expected to convene on Saturday to discuss the evolving situation in Niger. The outcome of these discussions could offer further insights into the approach and strategy that ECOWAS and its international partners will adopt moving forward.