Military leaders in Niger have cautioned against any armed intervention in their country as west African leaders gather in Abuja for an emergency summit to determine further actions to pressure the army to restore constitutional order after last week’s coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union, comprising 15 and 8 member states respectively, are convening in Nigeria to discuss potential measures. They may suspend Niger from their institutions, cut off the country from the regional central bank and financial market, or close borders.
The west African leaders are focused on restoring President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted when Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani was declared the new head of state.
Ahead of the summit, the coup leaders in Niger issued a warning against any military intervention. They accused ECOWAS of planning an imminent military intervention in collaboration with non-member African countries and certain western nations, which the junta strongly opposes.
The military coup in Niger has drawn widespread condemnation from its neighboring countries and international partners. Many have refused to recognize the new leaders and have demanded the restoration of President Bazoum to power.
President Bazoum has not been heard from since being confined within the presidential palace early Thursday. However, the European Union, France, and other countries still recognize him as the legitimate president, and he has managed to communicate with some international leaders.
In response to the coup, the European Union and France have suspended financial support and security cooperation with Niger. The African Union also issued a statement demanding the military to return to their barracks and restore constitutional order within 15 days.
This situation poses significant challenges for Niger, which has been a major recipient of western aid, particularly in the fight against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region. The overthrow of Bazoum could also impact the presence of French troops in Niger, as the country has been a strategic ally in combating Islamist militancy in the region.