News in Niger: ECOWAS ready to intervene if the junta does not return to constitutional order
In a tense political situation, Niger has been at the heart of the news since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by the military junta on July 26. Faced with this crisis, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has set a three-day ultimatum for the junta to return to constitutional order, under penalty of sanctions and even intervention. military.
ECOWAS, which does not qualify the action of the junta as a coup, considers the detention of President Bazoum as an illegal hostage-taking. According to Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Beninese Foreign Minister, the primary objective is to free the hostage and allow the democratically elected president to resume his duties.
However, the Niger junta shows solidarity with other countries in the region, such as Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. General Salifou Mody, a member of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), warned of the consequences of military intervention, citing the example of Libya which descended into instability after the intervention western in 2011.
The situation therefore remains very delicate, with on the one hand ECOWAS ready to apply sanctions and to intervene militarily to restore constitutional order, and on the other a junta supported by certain neighboring countries which fear an escalation of violence.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this crisis will be and whether the ongoing negotiations will lead to a return to stability in Niger. In the meantime, vigilance remains in order in this region of West Africa