Title: Burning news in Niger: between ultimatum and fears of military intervention
Introduction:
The political situation in Niger remains under high tension, with the imminent approach of the ultimatum set by ECOWAS to the junta that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. Faced with this crisis, the chiefs of staff of the ECOWAS member states are meeting to discuss the various possible options, including military intervention. In this article, we will examine the two opposing visions, the arguments put forward on both sides, as well as the fears of a “Libyan” scenario that hangs over the region.
Differences in perception:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) believes that the actions of the junta cannot be qualified as a coup, but rather the illegal detention of President Bazoum. According to her, it is a criminal act more than a political action. On the other hand, the Nigerien junta is playing the card of solidarity with other countries in the region, such as Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, by insisting on the risks of a military intervention which could plunge the country into instability, like what happened in Libya.
The position of ECOWAS:
Although ECOWAS does not rule out military intervention, it considers this to be the last option on the table. For her, the main objective is to release President Bazoum, democratically elected by the people of Niger, and to restore constitutional order. The notion of illegal detention reinforces this desire to see the legitimate president resume his duties.
Fears of a “Libyan” scenario:
The Niger junta warns of the consequences of military intervention, referring to the situation in Libya. She stresses that the Western intervention in 2011 plunged the country into instability and that she wishes to avoid at all costs that Niger experience the same fate. This warning aims to dissuade ECOWAS from considering military intervention and to encourage a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Conclusion:
The political situation in Niger remains tense, with the approach of the ultimatum set by ECOWAS to the junta that overthrew President Bazoum. The differences in perception between ECOWAS and the Nigerien junta as to the qualification of the situation and the options to be taken reflect the complex issues of the crisis. Fears of a “Libyan” scenario heighten the need to find a peaceful solution to restore constitutional order and guarantee stability in the region. The world continues to closely follow developments in this delicate situation