The threat of military intervention in Niger is becoming clearer
Niger is now faced with the threat of military intervention, while the ultimatum set by ECOWAS expires this Sunday, August 6. This situation is closely followed by the Nigerien community in France, which expresses its concern and fears for the future of the country.
On Saturday, nearly 200 people gathered outside the Niger embassy in Paris, in response to the call from Mohamed Bazoum’s party. These demonstrators expressed their solidarity and support for the president elected by the people of Niger. Zeinabou, one of the demonstrators, explains: “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.”
Nigeriens living in France share the same concerns as their relatives back home. Boubacar, whose parents are in Niger, says: “They are afraid. They are afraid for the country, that there are several opposing camps. My parents are democrats, they are afraid for democracy”. He also expresses his fears for himself and his children, pointing out that the military can intervene at any time, thus disrupting the democratic process and preventing the country from moving forward.
In Côte d’Ivoire, where many Nigeriens also reside, the Nigerien community is closely monitoring the situation and supporting the ongoing negotiations at the regional level. Divisions are also felt among this Ivorian community, with some strongly supporting the military intervention of ECOWAS to restore constitutional order, while others still prefer to believe in a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.
The situation in Niger is worrying, both politically and economically. Prices are rising, access to money is becoming more difficult and the fear of conflict weighs heavily on the daily lives of Nigeriens. Faced with this situation, the Nigerien community shows solidarity and is ready to overcome this ordeal together.
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, present during the demonstration in Paris, still hopes that the negotiation will prevail before the end of the ultimatum of ECOWAS, thus avoiding a military intervention. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigerien community continues to follow developments closely and hopes for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
It is crucial to remain attentive to the evolution of the situation in Niger and to support the Nigerien community in this uncertain period