Nigeriens Prepare for Possible Invasion Amidst Political Crisis
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — The people of Niger are bracing themselves for a potential invasion by neighboring countries as a political crisis continues to escalate in the nation. It has been three weeks since mutinous soldiers seized power and ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Residents in the capital city of Niamey are now urging for mass recruitment of volunteers to assist the army in the face of a growing threat from the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS. The bloc has stated that it will use military force if the junta does not reinstate President Bazoum. In response, a group of locals in Niamey has launched an initiative called Volunteers for the Defense of Niger. The aim is to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country who would be willing to fight, provide medical care, and offer technical and engineering support if needed.
Amsarou Bako, one of the founders of the initiative, stated that the recruitment drive will commence on Saturday in Niamey and other cities near possible invasion forces. The list of registered volunteers will be given to the junta, which can call upon them if necessary. Although the junta is not involved in the initiative, it is aware of it.
The standoff between Niger and ECOWAS has deepened regional tensions. Despite recent signals from both sides expressing a willingness to resolve the crisis peacefully, the situation remains unresolved. Last week, the junta announced its openness to dialogue with ECOWAS but subsequently charged President Bazoum with “high treason” and recalled its ambassador from Ivory Coast.
The defense chiefs of ECOWAS are expected to meet this week to discuss the deployment of the “standby force.” The potential invasion force, believed to consist of several thousand troops, could have dire consequences, according to conflict experts.
Niger has been viewed as one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region, making it a crucial partner for Western nations in the fight against jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. However, since the coup, France and the United States have suspended military operations, leading to a surge in jihadi attacks. On Tuesday, at least 17 soldiers were killed and nearly two dozen wounded in an ambush by extremists in the Tillaberi region.
Wassim Nasr, a journalist and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, highlighted the security void created by the coup, stating that it has allowed jihadi factions to assert their authority. Analysts warn that the longer the coup persists, the less likely an international intervention becomes as the junta solidifies its grip on power.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced support for ECOWAS’ dialogue efforts and said there was still room for diplomacy to restore constitutional rule in Niger. The new U.S. ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, is expected to arrive in Niamey at the end of the week.
As regional and western countries grapple with how to respond to the crisis, many Nigeriens fear an imminent invasion. While details about the volunteer force are still limited, organizers assure that their fighters will only combat external intrusion and not target their fellow citizens.
It remains to be seen how the political crisis in Niger will unfold, but the situation is increasingly concerning for the people of Niger and the international community alike.
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Associated Press reporters Dalatou Mamane in Niamey and Matthew Lee in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report.