Title: “The ECOWAS ultimatum in Niger: a tense situation which could lead to military intervention”
Introduction :
The ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the junta that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger is nearing its end. In three days, on August 6, ECOWAS will decide on the measures to take following the junta’s action. The chiefs of staff of the armies of ECOWAS member countries met in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss the different possible scenarios. In this article, we will take a closer look at the divergent positions between ECOWAS and the Nigerien junta, as well as the potential consequences of military intervention.
Development :
On the one hand, ECOWAS considers that the action of the junta cannot be qualified as a coup d’état, but rather as a criminal act. For the organization, the illegal detention of President Bazoum is unacceptable and it demands his return to the presidency, in accordance with the constitutional order. The sanctions decided on July 30 cannot be the only measures taken, and military intervention is considered as a last resort.
On the other hand, the Nigerien junta displays a posture of solidarity with other countries in the region such as Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, and warns of the consequences of military intervention. She fears that Niger will become a new Libya, plunged into instability following Western intervention. The junta highlights the need for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability in the country.
Analysis of the situation :
This divergence of points of view underlines the complexity of the current situation in Niger. On the one hand, ECOWAS, as a regional organization, has the responsibility to defend the constitutional order and democratic principles. On the other hand, the Nigerien junta seeks to preserve the stability of the country and avoid military intervention which could worsen the situation.
It is important to find a peaceful and negotiated solution, which guarantees both respect for the constitutional order and the stability of Niger. Military intervention should be considered as an extreme measure, and every effort should be made to find a way to resolve this crisis through dialogue and mediation.
Conclusion :
The situation in Niger remains tense as the end of the ECOWAS ultimatum approaches. The differences between ECOWAS and the Nigerien junta on the qualification of the junta’s action and on the measures to be taken underline the complexity of the situation. Military intervention should only be considered as a last resort, and every effort should be made to find a peaceful, negotiated solution. The stability of Niger and respect for the constitutional order are major issues for the region as a whole.