Niger’s military officers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, disregarding appeals from the United Nations, ECOWAS, and Western nations to reinstate him. The West African ECOWAS bloc has indicated its willingness to resort to military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the coup prove unsuccessful. At a meeting of army chiefs in Ghana, a senior ECOWAS official informed them of plans for a standby force in case of need.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized that if all else fails, the capable West African forces are prepared to restore constitutional order, citing previous deployments in Gambia, Liberia, and other regions as examples of their readiness.
Niger holds significance beyond West Africa due to its strategic role in countering Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region, along with its valuable uranium and oil reserves. Concerns arise from the fear that the current junta might follow Mali’s lead, expelling French troops and welcoming Russian Wagner group mercenaries.
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, where protests both against ECOWAS and in favor of the coup leaders have occurred, some residents reject external intervention to reinstate the elected president and civilian government. Echoing anti-French sentiments expressed by the junta, a resident named Omar Yaye asserted confidence in the country’s armed forces to handle any situation.
Critics have suggested that ECOWAS is influenced by foreign powers, particularly noting France’s reactions since the coup. The perception of coordinated actions between France and ECOWAS has led to skepticism regarding the bloc’s intentions, as shared by the junta and some citizens.