Further support was expressed yesterday for the measures taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to the military coup in Niger Republic. The United States has encouraged the sub-regional organization, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to persist in its efforts. Former External Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has also voiced his endorsement of ECOWAS' actions aimed at reinstating democracy in Nigeria’s neighboring northern country.
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, conveyed in a statement released by his spokesperson, Matthew Miller, that increased pressure should be exerted to secure the release of President Mohamed Bazoum. Bazoum has been confined to his Presidential Palace residence in Niamey since his removal from power by the military on July 26.
In response to the military coup, the constitution was suspended, and a 21-member transitional government was installed. The statement elaborated, “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with President Bola Tinubu. The Secretary commended President Tinubu’s leadership of the ECOWAS Second Extraordinary Summit on the situation in the Republic of Niger. He noted the importance of maintaining pressure on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to restore constitutional order and to see President Mohamed Bazoum and his family released.”
ECOWAS has enforced a series of economic sanctions on the junta. The junta, however, recently declared intentions to prosecute President Bazoum on charges of high treason and jeopardizing national security.
According to the coup leaders, evidence has been collected that purportedly implicates Bazoum in “high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger” through his interactions with nationals, foreign heads of state, and officials in international organizations.
ECOWAS expressed astonishment at these threats, emphasizing that they contradict the junta's stated commitment to resolving the crisis through peaceful means and restoring constitutional order.
President Bazoum, aged 63, and his family have been detained at the official presidential residence since the coup. Concerns about his treatment and conditions in custody have escalated internationally. Despite these concerns, his doctor reported that Bazoum's spirits remained high, even though he was being held in challenging circumstances.
The head of the presidential guards unit, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself as Niger’s new leader following the palace coup. ECOWAS has warned of potential military intervention to overturn the coup and has readied its troops for action. The coup leaders have asserted their readiness to defend themselves against any intervention.
To mediate an end to the crisis, a delegation of influential Muslim clerics from Nigeria engaged with junta leaders in Niamey. Tchiani indicated openness to negotiations.
Niger's new Prime Minister, Lamine Zeine, characterized the sanctions as unjust, yet expressed confidence that the country would overcome them. Zeine, who was appointed by the junta a week prior, conveyed Niger's interest in fostering economic cooperation with ECOWAS and expressed optimism about potential negotiations with the regional body and Nigeria.
Zeine emphasized the significance of maintaining the important historic relationship with ECOWAS, originally established as an economic group aimed at enhancing prosperity in West Africa. He lamented, however, that a shift from economic solidarity to political and military dynamics would be regrettable.
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