With just three days to go before a deadline set by the countries of the region to restore constitutional order in Niger expires, and a possible military intervention at stake, the putschists in power in Niamey opened the way, on Thursday, August 3, to an escalation with unforeseeable consequences.
In a statement broadcast on national television, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said: "Because of France's casual attitude and reaction to the situation" in Niger, "the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland [CNSP] has decided to denounce the security and defense cooperation agreements with France." These agreements relate, in particular, to the "stationing" of the French detachment and the "status" of soldiers deployed there as part of efforts to combat jihadism. Paris, which has 1,500 troops in Niger, evacuated 577 of its nationals from the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. Niger's ambassadors to France, the United States, Nigeria, and Togo were also dismissed.
Since the coup of July 26, which led to the overthrow of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, the various military contingents engaged alongside the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) in the fight against jihadists – thousands of soldiers, mainly from the West – have been keeping a low profile. The French, Americans, Italians, Germans, and a few others have remained discreet, confined to their respective bases in Niamey or across the country, unsure of their future in an area that has become central to the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel over the years. Niger, their partner of choice until eight days ago, is threatened with military intervention by a regional force backed, at least politically, by the West and tasked with restoring the overthrown president held by the putschists.
The ultimatum set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – currently chaired by Nigeria – expires on Sunday, and the growing prospect of a military intervention is increasing tensions between Niger and its neighbors. ECOWAS military chiefs were to convene in Abuja until Friday evening while West African armies, including Senegal's, said they were ready to intervene. ECOWAS still presents the possibility of a military operation as "the last option on the table."
On Thursday, the putschists promised an "immediate response" to "any aggression" by ECOWAS countries other than Burkina Faso and Mali, both suspended from the organization and also led by juntas. Ouagadougou and Bamako, in solidarity with their counterparts in Niamey, said they would consider any military action against Niger as a "declaration of war." On Wednesday, General Salifou Mody, presented as the CNSP's number two, met with the presidents of Mali and Burkina Faso, who have already broken with France, forcing Paris to withdraw French troops from these countries, and become closer to Russia.
You have 65.13% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.