Niger warns of consequences if West African bloc intervenes militarily

General Tiani, leader of Niger's military government, warned that any military attack on the country would "not be easy".

"The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is ready to attack Niger by establishing an occupation force with the support of foreign troops. Any attempt at military intervention against Niger will not be a walk in the park as many people mistakenly believe," General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of the Niger military government, said on television on August 19.

Mr Tiani did not specify which country the "foreign troops" belonged to. The leader of Niger's military government also announced the start of a 30-day "national dialogue" to develop proposals to lay the foundations for a "new constitutional life".

The comments came after ECOWAS military leaders agreed on a date for possible intervention in Niger if diplomacy failed. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political, peace and security affairs, stressed that the bloc was still seeking peace talks with Niger's military leaders.

General Abdourahamane Tiani appeared on Niger television on July 28. Photo: AFP

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who was appointed by the military government, previously said he had "not seen any intention from the generals to seek help" from the private military group Wagner. "Do not push the Nigeriens towards partners you do not want to see here," he warned.

On July 26, Niger's presidential guard under the command of General Abdourahamane Tiani carried out a coup, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum. General Tiani then became head of the military government, despite objections from ECOWAS and Western countries.

ECOWAS decided on August 10 to activate the bloc's permanent force, which can be deployed to Niger to restore constitutional order in the country.

The bloc previously imposed a series of economic sanctions on Niger, including cutting off financial transactions and electricity supplies, while also closing borders and blocking imports of many essential goods to one of the world's poorest countries.

Most of the 15 ECOWAS member states are ready to join a standing force that could intervene in Niger, except Cape Verde and those led by military governments, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, a bloc official said on August 17.

Location of Niger and the Sahel region. Graphic: AFP

Any use of force could further destabilize West Africa's impoverished Sahel region, where a protracted war with armed groups has claimed thousands of lives.

Niger also has strategic importance beyond West Africa thanks to its large uranium and oil reserves, as well as its role as a base for foreign troops fighting armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS).

Vu Anh (According to AFP )

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