The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs within the government of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum presented their ideas to the European Union’s foreign ministers regarding a potential ECOWAS military operation against Niger. This was stated by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, during a press conference following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Toledo, Spain.
“The participation of African leaders has been very useful; they presented the African perspective on the situation in Niger and the possibilities for a military deployment on the ground,” said Josep Borrell. He emphasized that the EU remains “attentive” to the possibility of an ECOWAS military operation. Brussels has ceased its assistance to Niger and has started to develop sanctions against the country.
A National Unity Government An adviser to Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, described Algeria’s mediation initiative to achieve a political resolution of the crisis in the country as excellent.
Algeria’s initiative “is excellent and has been welcomed by myself and many Nigeriens close to President Bazoum. It could mark the beginning of the path towards resolving the crisis,” said adviser Al-Hassan Antinikar to Al Araby Al Jadeed. He noted that Algeria has given Niger “hope to resolve the crisis and avoid its alarming consequences.”
“If the coup leaders love Niger and its people, they should also accept the Algerian initiative,” Antinikar continued. He proposed appointing a new prime minister who would “fight for the national and African cause,” as well as forming a national unity government that represents the eleven ethnic groups mentioned in the Constitution.
On July 26, a group of Nigerien military personnel announced on television the ousting of President Bazoum, the closure of the country’s borders, the imposition of a curfew, the suspension of the Constitution, and the ban on political party activities. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP) was established to manage the country, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani taking the helm of this new entity.
Meanwhile, according to statements from Nigerien politicians, Mr. Bazoum is in “good health” and has been in telephonic contact with leaders and members of governments from other countries, although he is prohibited from leaving his residence.
