The Niger coup leaders warn against war following the military intervention by ECOWAS. Niger have been in the news recently due to the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023.
The soldiers who carried out the coup have quickly entrenched themselves in power and have rebuffed most dialogue efforts. In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been trying to reach a peaceful solution with the mutinous soldiers.
On August 19, 2023, a delegation from regional nations arrived in Niger in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to reach a peaceful solution with the mutinous soldiers. The delegation was headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar and was sent by ECOWAS. However, the military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in the country.
In a statement read on Niger national television on July 30, 2023, military spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said,
“The objective of the ECOWAS meeting is to approve a plan of aggression against Niger through an imminent military intervention in Niamey in collaboration with other African countries that are non-members of ECOWAS, and certain Western countries.” He also added,”We want to once more remind ECOWAS or any other adventurer of our firm determination to defend our homeland”.
The situation in Niger remains tense as ECOWAS continues its efforts to restore constitutional order in the country. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what actions ECOWAS will take to pressure the army to restore constitutional order.
