The leaders of the military coup in Niger have warned that ECOWAS, a regional body, could soon initiate a military intervention in the capital city. In a statement made ahead of an ECOWAS crisis summit on Niger, the junta stated that the purpose of the meeting was to approve a plan for aggression against Niger. They claimed that this would involve a military intervention in Niamey, with the cooperation of African countries outside of the regional body and certain Western nations.
The African Union has given the Nigerien military a two-week ultimatum to restore “constitutional authority.” They strongly condemned the coup and expressed deep concern over the “alarming resurgence” of military takeovers in Africa.
The United States, which has approximately 1,000 troops deployed in Niger, has pledged unwavering support to President Bazoum. They have warned the individuals responsible for detaining him that their actions could jeopardize years of successful cooperation and hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance.
Landlocked Niger, despite its vast uranium deposits, consistently ranks last on the United Nations’ Human Development Index. Since gaining independence in 1960, the country has experienced a turbulent political history, including four coups and numerous other attempted takeovers, two of which were directed against President Bazoum.
AFP
