The military coup in Gabon will serve the interests of Nigerian rebels, as countries in favor of a military operation against the coup plotters will be compelled to focus on resolving their internal issues. This is the opinion of experts interviewed by the television channel Sky News Arabia.
“Nigerien military personnel will capitalize on what happened in Gabon. The series of military coups [in Africa] has become a reality, which is why dialogue with the authors of these coups is necessary,” believes Senegalese political analyst Abdel Ahad Abdel Rachid. “Neighboring countries, especially those supporting military intervention against rebels in Niger, will be cautious and prioritize their internal issues out of fear of being caught in the wave of coups,” he added.
“The coup in Gabon will strengthen the position of rebels in Niger, who are considering negotiating a transition period and a roadmap,” noted Tunisian Africanist Alia Alani. She believes that after what happened in Gabon, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) “will adopt a more rational approach to solving certain issues on the continent, including, of course, the Niger issue.”
According to Mr. Alani, similar events and protest movements will soon occur in a number of African countries where populations live in poverty despite their vast resources.
A group of senior Gabonese military officials had previously announced their seizure of power on national television. Among the rebels were representatives of the Republican Guard, led by Brice Oligui Nguema, security services, the army, and the police. The coup plotters annulled the results of the August 26th elections, which were won by Ali Bongo Ondimba, a candidate for a third term.
The military stated that the president “was under house arrest, surrounded by his family and doctors.” Ali Bongo Ondimba himself recorded a video message confirming that he was being held by the military at his presidential residence.
On July 26th, a group of Nigerien presidential guard soldiers mutinied and announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, was formed to govern the country.
ECOWAS leaders imposed heavy sanctions on Niger and demanded that the rebels release Mr. Bazoum, threatening to use force.
