The junta in power in Niger has escalated tensions by threatening a member country of ECOWAS in case of a West African military intervention. Meanwhile, ECOWAS has issued a one-week ultimatum to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to his functions.
The political situation in Niger continues to worsen following the military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta in power, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has issued a warning to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), threatening to attack a member country in case of ECOWAS military intervention in the country.
Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Nation (CNSP), stated that “the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces will respond to any aggression or attempted aggression by any of the members against the State of Niger.” However, he excluded “suspended friendly countries” from this threat, alluding to Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The regional tension has been exacerbated by ECOWAS’s reaction. Following an extraordinary session in Abuja (Nigeria), the organization has imposed a one-week ultimatum on the military in power in Niger. ECOWAS demands the release and restoration of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to his functions. This decision reflects the growing concern of the international community regarding political stability in the region.
The repercussions of these developments are already being felt on the international stage. Nigeria, currently the president of ECOWAS, has reaffirmed its commitment to respond firmly to coups and attempts at destabilization in the West African region. In response to this escalation, the United States has ordered the evacuation of “non-essential” personnel from the embassy in Niamey, while France has announced the end of evacuation operations conducted from Niger.
The junta’s spokesperson also announced a major decision: the termination of all military cooperation and protocols with France. This announcement raises questions about the potential impact of this rupture on regional security and stability.
