In response to the coup in Niger, neighboring countries have drawn up a plan for possible military intervention. The international community ECOWAS renewed the deadline set for the putschists until Sunday.
The West African states are preparing for an armed intervention against the new military rulers in Niger.
After a meeting on Friday in the Nigerian capital Abuja, the defense ministers of the international community ECOWAS recommended measures to the heads of state and government of the region to plan a military intervention.
Plan for military intervention
“All the elements required for eventual intervention have been laid out and refined here,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
A few hours earlier, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had, according to media reports, asked his country’s Senate for approval of military intervention in Niger. Tinubu also chairs ECOWAS.
ECOWAS renews deadline
The international community renewed its deadline of Sunday for the putschists to reinstate President-elect Mohamed Bazoum. Otherwise, they will be “forced,” Musah said.
According to experts, however, such a step would be associated with high risks. There is a risk Bazoum might be killed during a rescue attempt, said James Barnett, a researcher specializing in West Africa at the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank. “It would have to be a very surgical rescue operation to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Barnett said. There was also a risk of numerous civilian casualties.
“I’m afraid the junta would like to use their own people as cannon fodder or human shields,” Barnett said. The ECOWAS military “doesn’t have a good record when it comes to avoiding collateral damage.”
Bazoum in custody for days
In Niger, officers of the Presidential Guard arrested the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum last week and declared him ousted. The commander of the elite unit, General Abdourahamane Tiani, subsequently proclaimed himself the new ruler. Shortly after Tiani came to power, the putschists suspended the constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.
US pauses aid programs for Nigerien government
Meanwhile, the United States announced the temporary suspension of several aid programs for Niger. “Vital humanitarian aid” and food deliveries would continue, however, Foreign Minister Blinken made clear.
Blinken, who has spoken to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on several occasions, stressed that his country “is continuing US government activities in Niger where possible, including diplomatic and security operations.” However, the provision of aid to the government “depends on democratic governance and compliance with the constitutional order,” added the foreign minister.