In Niger, the new military authorities from the National Council for the Salvation of the Nation (CNSP) have decided to terminate the functions of several ambassadors, including that of Togo, amid international tensions following their takeover of power.
Niger has recalled its ambassador to Togo following the coup d’état that shook the country on July 26th. While the situation continues to elicit contrasting reactions within the international community, the new authorities have decided to dismiss several ambassadors, including Mr. Sidi Zakari, who has been serving as Niger’s representative to Togo since May 2022. This move appears to be a firm response from the coup leaders, who seek to assert their position in the face of mounting international pressures.
Among the countries affected by this new decision of the Nigerien authorities is also Nigeria, which recently cut off its supply of electricity to Niger, further exacerbating the economic pressures facing Niamey. On the other hand, Togo, another nation affected by the decision of the Nigerien coup leaders to end the mandate of their ambassador, has remained silent since the beginning of the situation.
It is worth mentioning that Faure Gnassingbé participated in the extraordinary summit that brought together the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, July 30th, in Abuja, Nigeria. Following this summit, ECOWAS issued a one-week ultimatum to the Nigerien coup leaders, and additional economic sanctions were imposed against them.
The persistent silence of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé in the context of the political crisis in Niger raises questions. Despite his role in the measures and sanctions decided by ECOWAS, he has chosen minimal communication on the situation, which may be interpreted by some as delicate diplomatic maneuvering.
