The military chiefs took control and established a new government led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. ECOWAS, a regional organisation consisting of West African nations, is responding to the coup by convening an emergency summit.
This summit is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, and the leaders are expected to make significant decisions regarding the situation. Diplomatic Efforts: ECOWAS initially pursued diplomatic solutions to the coup, but it warned that it might use force if necessary to address the situation and reinstate the elected president.
The coup in Niger has raised concerns among neighbouring countries, such as Algeria and Russia. Other nearby countries, like Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also under military rule due to previous coups, have expressed concerns about potential military intervention by ECOWAS, equating it to a declaration of war.
The coup leaders rejected a request to allow a delegation of representatives from ECOWAS, the United Nations (UN), and the African Union to enter the country for mediation. Mediation Attempt: A former emir of Kano, Nigeria, named Lamido Sanusi Sanusi, who has connections to both Nigeria’s leadership and the coup leaders, attempted to mediate the conflict. He communicated with the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, and aimed to facilitate discussions between the leaders of Niger and Nigeria.
ECOWAS, under Nigeria’s leadership as chair of the organisation, is taking a firm stance against the coup in Niger. They view it as a threat to the stability of the region and are emphasising the need to maintain democratic governance.
The series of recent coups in various West African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is seen by some leaders, such as Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, as a challenge to the existence and effectiveness of ECOWAS. International Pressure: There is international pressure, led by ECOWAS and other organisations, to restore the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, to power in Niger.
Coup Rejection: Despite the coup and the establishment of a new government, some parties, including ECOWAS, continue to reject the legitimacy of the new leadership and support the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum. This situation reflects the complexities and challenges faced by regional organisations in responding to political crises and maintaining stability in their member countries.
