In response to the coup that transpired in Niger during July, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a decisive step by ordering the activation of a standby force. This move comes as part of their strategy to address the junta that has seized power, with the intention of peacefully restoring democracy. The organization has made it clear that all potential options, including the use of force, are being considered.
Following a summit of ECOWAS heads of state held in Abuja, Nigeria, the West African coalition has committed to imposing sanctions, travel restrictions, and asset freezes on those obstructing the return to power of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, stated, “We are keeping all possibilities open, even the use of force as a last resort.” He expressed hope that through collaborative efforts, a peaceful resolution can be achieved, leading to the reestablishment of stability and democracy in Niger. Tinubu emphasized that the situation is not beyond salvage.
Subsequent to President Tinubu’s address, an official communique was read aloud, which included a resolution urging the defense chiefs of the coalition to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force promptly, with all its components.
Another resolution outlined the deployment of this standby force for the purpose of reinstating constitutional order in Niger. This was swiftly followed by yet another resolution that emphasized the objective of achieving this restoration through peaceful means.
Security experts have noted that assembling a regional force might take several weeks or even longer, potentially providing a window for negotiations.
However, the specifics regarding funding, participating countries, the number of troops, and the equipment they will contribute were not detailed in the ECOWAS statement.
The junta in Niamey, the capital of Niger, had rejected ECOWAS’ 6 August deadline to step down. Instead, they closed Niger’s airspace and expressed their determination to protect the nation from foreign intervention.
ECOWAS Critically Divided
Although the coalition appears united in its stance against the junta, it is not without internal divisions. Mali and Burkina Faso, both suspended member states, have experienced military coups in the past two years and are presently ruled by military governments. These two nations have expressed solidarity with the Niger junta and have vowed to support it.
Despite this division within the coalition, the summit’s official statement did not acknowledge the split. Notably, Mali and Burkina Faso have vocally opposed the pressure exerted on Niger.
To date, the leaders of the coup in Niamey have not exhibited signs of willingness to yield or participate in meaningful negotiation. Just prior to the Abuja summit, they unveiled a new government, seemingly solidifying their position and presenting themselves as a legitimate ruling authority following the coup on 26 July.
Global Backing for ECOWAS Efforts
The international community, including the United Nations and Western powers, has thrown its support behind ECOWAS’ endeavors to convince the junta to relinquish power and release President Bazoum, who remains confined to his residence.
The Western nations are particularly concerned that Niger might take a similar path to Mali and seek assistance from Russia’s Wagner Group. The United States has designated this group as a transnational criminal organization. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group, has welcomed the coup in Niger and offered his forces to reinstate order.
Niger’s Crucial Geopolitical Position
Despite being one of the world’s most impoverished nations, landlocked Niger holds immense geopolitical significance. Its size, more than double that of France, and its status as the seventh-largest uranium producer globally render it strategically important, especially for nuclear power generation.
Before the coup, Niger stood as a vital ally to the West in a region where neighboring nations have shifted their allegiances away from their former colonial power, France, in favor of closer ties with Russia.
The Sahel region has been grappling with a prolonged Islamist insurgency, which has led to massive displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. International forces from the US, France, Germany, and Italy are stationed in Niger to combat this insurgency. Prior to the coup, Niger had managed to contain the violence better than its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso.
In line with the trend observed after the coups in Mali and Burkina Faso between 2020 and 2022, the junta in Niamey has adopted an antagonistic stance towards France, accusing it of causing Niger’s predicaments and violating its sovereignty. Paris has refuted these allegations.
