France has expressed its support for the efforts of an African regional bloc aiming to prevent a coup in Niger. The French Foreign Ministry stated that the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given the coup leaders a one-week deadline to release and reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. If the junta fails to comply, ECOWAS has stated that it will take measures, including the possibility of military intervention, to restore constitutional order.
ECOWAS defense chiefs have gathered in Nigeria to organize a joint response to the coup and plan potential military action as a last resort. Their preparations include determining timing, resource requirements, and deployment strategies. However, ECOWAS has not disclosed specific details regarding the timing and location of a potential military intervention, as decision-making rests with the heads of state.
A delegation from ECOWAS has traveled to Niger’s capital, Niamey, to meet with coup leaders. In response to the visit, the junta warned that any military intervention would be met with an immediate and undisclosed response by Niger’s defense and security forces.
France, as Niger’s former colonial power, may not be welcomed by all in the country, particularly among pro-coup protesters who have expressed anti-French sentiments. Concerns have been raised by neighboring democratic countries and Western partners, including France and the United States, regarding the potential consequences of Niger’s return to military rule. They fear broader implications for fragile democracies in the region and their ongoing fight against Islamist insurgencies across the Sahel.
President Bazoum, in an article for The Washington Post, described Niger as the last bastion of respect for human rights in the troubled Sahel region. He emphasized the tragic nature of the coup attempt and warned that its success would have devastating consequences beyond Niger’s borders.
Summary:
France supports efforts by ECOWAS to thwart the coup in Niger and is concerned about the stability of the region. ECOWAS has given the junta a week to release the democratically elected president, or face potential military intervention. ECOWAS defense chiefs have organized a collective response and prepared for military action if necessary. France, as Niger’s former colonial power, may face challenges due to anti-French sentiments among some protesters. Concerns have been raised about the impact of Niger’s return to military rule on neighboring democratic countries and their fight against Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel. President Bazoum has highlighted the importance of Niger’s respect for human rights and warned of the severe consequences of a successful coup beyond Niger’s borders.