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| Image Credit: Google, Al-Jazeera |
West African Nations Impose Sanctions on Niger's New Military Leaders as Coup Crisis Escalates
Following the recent coup in Niger, West African countries have taken a firm stance over imposing sanctions on the country's new military leaders and threatening the use of force if ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.
The coup in the Sahel region has raised alarms across the continent and also threatened to further destabilize the already volatile region.
Niger's elected president and Western ally, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by the military since the coup, with General Abdourahmane Tiani, the head of the powerful presidential guard, declaring himself leader.
Bazoum represented one of the few elected and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel region. It is an area which has already witnessed armed uprisings and coups in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso back in 2020.
The International Response
The international response to the coup has been swift, with former colonial ruler France and the European Union suspending security cooperation and financial aid to Niger.
The United States also warned that its aid could be at stake.
Emergency Summit of ECOWAS
Meanwhile, an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded the reinstatement of Bazoum within a week, threatening "all measures," including the use of force, to restore constitutional order.
Establishment of Regional Security Force
While the prospect of using force remains uncertain, ECOWAS had previously agreed to establish a regional security force to intervene against armed groups and prevent military coups.
However, details about the force and its funding are still unclear. In addition to the threat of force, ECOWAS has imposed financial sanctions on the coup leaders and Niger, freezing all commercial and financial transactions between member states and the impoverished nation.
Response from Niger's Military Government
In response to ECOWAS's actions, a member of Niger's military government, Amadou Abdramane, accused the regional bloc of planning an imminent military intervention in Niamey, in cooperation with non-member African countries and certain Western nations.
The response has added to the complexity of the crisis and heightened tensions in the African region.
Regional Stakeholders/ Internal Support of Coup/ French Embassy
In an attempt to resolve the crisis, Chad's President, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, visited Niamey, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation.
However, there were demonstrations in support of the coup within the country, with thousands of people rallying outside the national parliament, voicing in support for the new military rulers.
Some also attempted to storm the French embassy, signaling opposition to potential external intervention.
France condemned the assault on its embassy, warning of immediate retaliation if French citizens or interests were attacked.
It reiterated its support for regional initiatives to restore order in Niger.
Mali and Burkina Faso, also former French colonies, have experienced military coups since 2020.
This reflects the challenge of addressing armed groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda while ensuring stability and democratic governance.
Francem US and EU Penalizing Niger's New Setup
In response to the coup, France, with 1,500 troops in Niger, suspended development aid and budgetary support.
The European Union also announced the indefinite suspension of security cooperation and budgetary aid to Niger, while expressing readiness to support ECOWAS's decisions, including the adoption of sanctions.
The United States, with about 1,000 troops in Niger, offered steadfast support to President Bazoum and warned against undermining years of successful cooperation and financial assistance.
The African Union Condemnation and Warning
The African Union condemned the coup and demanded the restoration of "constitutional authority" within two weeks.
It expressed deep concerns over the resurgence of military takeover in Africa, prompting the need for stability and democraticgovernance.
Why Niger is Important?
Niger, a landlocked country with vast uranium deposits, has faced a tumultuous political history since gaining independence in 1960, witnessing multiple coups and attempts to seize power.
With the current crisis and the responses from international community, the future remains uncertain, as the region goes through
challenges to peace, security, and democratic governance.
Niger's BondIssuance Cancelled After Coup, ECOWAS Calls for President's Reinstatement
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has cancelled Niger's scheduled 30 billion CFA franc ($51 million) bond issuance in the West African regional debt market, following a recent coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc has also demanded the reinstatement of Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted from power last week, within a week.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including halting all financial transactions and freezing national assets.
Niger is one of the world's poorest countries and heavily reliant on external aid and financing. The cancellation of the bond issuance will have a significant impact on the country's economy.
The international community has expressed concern over the situation. France, Niger's former colonial ruler, condemned the coup.
The European Union suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger following Bazoum's removal, while the United States has issued a warning that its aid may also be at risk.
The situation
remains tense, and the international community continues to monitor
developments closely in hopes of a peaceful resolution and the restoration of democratic
governance in Niger.
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