With its strategic position in the region, Niger is at risk of becoming a "hotbed" of war. The international community continues to call for increased reconciliation efforts in this West African country.
Thousands of people protested against sanctions in the capital Niamey, Niger on August 3, 2023. Photo: REUTERS
Defense ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said yesterday they planned military action in Niger after mediation efforts failed. The group also set a deadline of August 6 for the military coup leaders to step down and restore the government of President Mohamed Bazoum. The ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on Niger and sent a delegation to the country on August 3 to “seek a peaceful solution”. However, the delegation left without meeting with representatives of the military government.
Thousands of supporters of the military government of the coup in Niger, yesterday (August 6), continued to march in the capital Niamey and several major cities, condemning international sanctions and opposing the intention of military intervention against Niger. The protesters called on West African leaders to abandon plans for military intervention in Niger and to lift the sanctions imposed against the country.
Some regional sources quoted Niger's military government leaders as saying that the coup group has not changed its determination to overthrow the government of President Mohamed Bazoum, meaning it has not complied with the ultimatum given by ECOWAS to restore constitutional order.
Meanwhile, many regional leaders have conflicting views on the situation in Niger. Some African leaders such as Nigeria and Senegal yesterday left open the possibility of sending troops to Niger to stabilize the situation in this neighboring country. However, neighboring Chad - the country that is mediating for the Economic Community of West African States - affirmed that it will not intervene militarily, and at the same time called on the parties in Niger to continue dialogue.
In the face of the serious situation in Niger, the international community continues to call for increased reconciliation efforts in the West African country. The German Foreign Ministry yesterday called for increased reconciliation efforts with the military government in Niger. Speaking at a press conference, a spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of carrying out reconciliation in Niger and reaching a political solution. The official said Germany supports ongoing reconciliation efforts.
On the same day, the Kremlin said any intervention in Niger from extra-regional powers would hardly improve the situation following the military coup in the West African country.
“The intervention of extra-regional forces cannot help change the situation in a more positive direction,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “We are closely monitoring the situation, we are concerned about the tension in Niger. We continue to support a quick return to constitutional normality without endangering human lives.”
This is not the first time a coup has occurred in the African region, including Niger. In fact, there have been 7 coups in the West and Central African region since 2020. However, with Niger's strategic position in the region in the fields of oil, uranium, as well as the fight against extremist insurgents in the Sahel region, this country is considered to be of strategic importance to many countries in the world and the region. Therefore, the coup in this country has received great attention from public opinion.
Since the coup, many Western countries have cut aid to Niger, even though the West African country is one of the world's poorest and relies on foreign aid, which accounts for nearly half of its annual budget. Most recently, the US decided yesterday to suspend some foreign assistance programs for the Niger government, but continued to provide humanitarian aid and food to the people of the West African country. The Dutch government also confirmed on the same day that it was temporarily suspending direct cooperation with the Niger government, and said it was considering funding other humanitarian programs in Niger managed by the United Nations, other international organizations or local partners.
Compiled by NGUYEN TAN
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