A look at the news: the ECOWAS ultimatum in Niger ends in three days
In Niger, the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is soon coming to an end. Last Sunday, the regional organization demanded the immediate release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum as well as the restoration of constitutional order within a week. Otherwise, it says it is ready to take all necessary measures, including the use of force. As the deadline approaches, where are the discussions and what could be the military actions of ECOWAS? Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin, answers questions from Pierre Firtion.
An ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian President Abdulsalami Abubakar, was to visit Niamey on August 2, 2023. This visit was considered a last chance for mediation?
Olushegun Adjadi Bakari explains that this mediation visit is in line with the vision of the ECOWAS Heads of State, who always favor dialogue and the search for peaceful solutions. He clarified that as long as the ultimatum has not yet expired, all possibilities likely to lead to an acceptable outcome will be explored.
It is also noted that former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou is conducting negotiations behind the scenes. What is offered to the putschist soldiers today?
Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs stresses that the heads of state of ECOWAS have been very clear that this is not a coup, but rather a hostage-taking or of a kidnapping. In this context, the main objective is to obtain the release of President Bazoum, democratically elected by the people of Niger, so that he can resume his presidential duties.
Is there still hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis?
The Minister expresses some hope, but he also stresses that democratic values and political stability must prevail within ECOWAS. He recalls that the heads of state made it clear that all options, including the use of force, would be considered if the military refuses to hand over power by August 6.
In the event of a military intervention, which ECOWAS member countries could be involved?
The Minister affirms that all member countries of ECOWAS, including Benin, are ready to participate in the resolution of the crisis, if necessary. However, he also stresses that it is preferable to avoid reaching that point and to favor dialogue and negotiation.
Is the meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of staff in Abuja until August 4 intended to put in place a military intervention plan by Sunday?
The Minister explains that this meeting is part of regular meetings and that the ECOWAS standby force has already been operational for some time. He indicates that an operational convergence already exists, but the details of the implementation of the military intervention are managed by the competent authorities.
Are there fears that this military intervention could trigger a regional conflict by provoking hostile reactions from the military in power in Mali and Burkina Faso?
The Minister recalls that the objective is not to intervene against a country, but to free a democratically elected authority taken hostage. He stresses that the measures taken will be in line with democratic values and the preservation of regional stability.
In conclusion, the situation in Niger remains tense as the ECOWAS ultimatum comes to an end. Negotiations and mediation efforts continue, but ECOWAS heads of state are also preparing to take stronger action, including the use of force, if necessary. The political future of Niger will therefore depend on the ability of the various actors to find a peaceful solution to restore constitutional order and preserve the stability of the region