The threat of military intervention in Niger is becoming more and more pressing. The ultimatum set by ECOWAS expires this Sunday, August 6, and the Nigerien community in France is monitoring the situation closely. On Saturday, around 200 people gathered in front of the Niger embassy in Paris, responding to the call from Mohamed Bazoum’s party. Their concerns and those of their loved ones remaining in the country are palpable in the face of this military threat and the uncertainty which weighs on the future of the country. A situation which also concerns Nigerien nationals in Ivory Coast.
In Paris, despite the pouring rain, Nigeriens braved the bad weather to show their support for the elected president and express their categorical refusal of the coup d’état in Niger. Zeinabou, one of the demonstrators, declared on Baptiste Coulon’s microphone: “I am here to defend my president who was elected by the people. Niger is not for the military, it is for us! We are here today for peace.”
Fears are also palpable among Boubacar, whose parents are still in Niger. It testifies to the growing difficulties on the spot, with the increase in prices and the difficulty of withdrawing money, as well as the fear of an imminent conflict. For him, this situation is a source of concern for the country’s democracy: “At the rate things are going, I am afraid that the military will not turn back. We are afraid for the country, for democracy.”
The Nigerien community in France is counting on its solidarity in the event of conflict and hopes that negotiation will prevail before the end of the ultimatum set by ECOWAS. Nigerien Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, present at the demonstration in Paris, expressed his hope that diplomacy would prevail and that military intervention would not be necessary.
In Ivory Coast, where a large Nigerien community resides, the situation in Niger is also closely monitored. The divisions currently affecting the Nigerien population are also reflected among Nigerien nationals in Côte d’Ivoire. Some express their support for Mohamed Bazoum and call for intervention by ECOWAS to restore constitutional order, considering the putschists as terrorists. Others, for their part, hope for a diplomatic solution to avoid war and protect the Nigerien people.
The Nigerien community in France and Ivory Coast is making its voice heard and hopes that the situation in Niger will be resolved peacefully. The ultimatum set by ECOWAS has created palpable tension, and only time will tell what the consequences of this deadline will be on the country and its inhabitants. It is essential to remain attentive to the evolving situation and to continue to support the Nigerien community in its quest for stability and democracy.