The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Niger, Hassoumi Massoudou, is at the heart of the news. In an exclusive interview granted to RFI and France 24, he discusses the crisis situation that the country has been going through since the July 26 coup. Massoudou believes that a military intervention by ECOWAS is still envisaged, but that it will not be a “war against Niger”.
The minister in exile expresses his concern over the deterioration of the security situation and says that negotiations with the military junta have stalled. He stresses that everything is negotiable, provided the junta withdraws and President Mohamed Bazoum is released and reinstated. However, he rules out the possibility of a transition, seeing this as acceptance of the coup.
Massoudou highlights the negative consequences of the crisis on Niger, particularly in terms of security with an increase in terrorist attacks. He also highlights the ethnic violence that is rampant in Niamey. It calls for putting Niger back on the path to peace, stability and economic progress.
As for a possible military intervention by ECOWAS, Massoudou confirms that it is still on the agenda, in parallel with the negotiations in progress. He insists that this intervention will not be directed against the Nigerien people or Niger, but that it is an action by ECOWAS, as was the case in Gambia in 2017.
The situation in Niger therefore remains tense, with ongoing discussions and a threat of military intervention hanging over the ruling junta. ECOWAS and the heads of state in the region are determined that the law of the ballot box prevails over the law of arms. The return to stability and democracy remain priorities for the country.
In conclusion, Hassoumi Massoudou’s interview highlights the complexity of the situation in Niger and the urgency of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Negotiations are continuing while keeping in view the possibility of a military intervention by ECOWAS. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what the consequences will be for the future of the country