Four days after the expiry of the ultimatum issued to the putschists in Niamey, the situation in Niger remains tense. The Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in an extraordinary summit in Abuja to discuss the Niger crisis. Faced with this delicate situation, ECOWAS must juggle between diplomatic and military options to resolve the crisis.
ECOWAS considers the military option as the last possible solution and favors above all dialogue. However, ECOWAS member states are not united in their approach to the Niger crisis. On the one hand, military regimes, such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, are trying to form a common front, while on the other hand, civilian regimes fear the contagion of coups and advocate a firmness line. Divisions are also growing within civilian regimes, with some favoring the return of President Mohamed Bazoum and others calling for more dialogue.
The return to power of Mohamed Bazoum remains a possibility, but it is increasingly problematic after 15 days of crisis. Even if he were freed by foreign military intervention, his legitimacy could be questioned. A period of transition and reconciliation would be necessary to bring Nigeriens together.
Among Nigerien political actors, a new initiative has been launched with the creation of a Resistance Council for the Republic (CRR) by Rhissa Ag Boula, former leader of the Tuareg rebellion. However, it is still too early to know what the true scope of this initiative will be.
At the heart of Niger’s crisis are deep-seated issues such as the deteriorating security situation and poor economic and social governance. Are these problems unanimously recognized by the population of Niger? This is a question that gives rise to debates and differences of opinion.
In conclusion, ECOWAS seeks to resolve the crisis in Niger by favoring dialogue rather than the military option. However, the divisions within ECOWAS and the challenges facing the country make the situation complex. It is essential to find a solution that will restore stability and legitimacy in Niger