Tensions are rising between ECOWAS and the Nigerien putschists. This West African bloc, which says it is ready to intervene manu militari to defeat the coup attempt in Niger, received support from France on Saturday. Thus Paris has announced that it supports “with firmness and determination” the initiatives of ECOWAS. “The future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at stake,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
On Friday, the chiefs of staff of the Economic Community of West African States “defined the contours of a possible military intervention” against the Nigerien junta, according to an official of the regional organization.
The use of force by ECOWAS, a credible threat to Paris
“All the elements of a possible intervention have been worked out at this meeting, including the necessary resources, but also the way and when we will deploy the force”, affirmed the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security. from ECOWAS, Abdel-Fatau Musah, after a meeting in Abuja (Nigeria).
On July 30, four days after the coup that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS gave the putschists seven days, i.e. until Sunday evening, to restore him to office, citing recourse to “the strength “.
“It is a credible threat”, judged the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, Saturday on France Info.
Paris calls for the restoration of democracy
She received in the morning at the Quai d’Orsay, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, the ministry said in its press release, specifying that the head of government was accompanied by the ambassador of Niger in France, Aichatou Boulama Kane.
“The Minister reaffirmed France’s full support for President Bazoum, elected by the people of Niger, and his government, who are the one and only legitimate authorities in Niger,” she said.
As the ultimatum expires on Sunday, Paris “solemnly calls on those responsible for this coup attempt to release President Bazoum and all members of his government, and to allow the immediate return to constitutional and democratic order”, finally declares the Quai d’Orsay.