ECOWAS under EU and US pressure to intervene in Niger
By Daily Tab24
Category: News
Updated: Aug 9, 2023
Time: 10: 29
After the first ECOWAS summit to address the coup in Niger; which was held in Abuja, Nigeria, more than a week ago, attention shifted on how ECOWAS would fund the military intervention they threatened after issuing a one week ultimatum.
Niger is a country rich with uranium, a natural resource that has played remarkable role in building France’s economy, infrastructure and military. Uranium is an important component for nuclear warheads and generation of power. Niger is also a strategic country for EU’s security and war against international terrorist organizations.
Immediately the success of the coup in Niger was announced by Tchiani, the new military leader of the country, who deposed the elected President of the country, Basoum, protesters stormed France embassy and attacked its property – torching flags.
Speaking on the attack, French foreign office said “Given the situation in Niamey, and the violence that took place against our embassy and the closing of airspace that leaves our citizens without any possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing to evacuate those of its citizens and European citizens who want to leave the country. The evacuation will begin today” he said immediately after the attack on the embassy more than one week ago.
US would always support France, a great ally. While making it clear they are aware and monitoring the situation unfolding in Niger. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman said “Certainly aware of efforts by France and other European nations to evacuate their citizens” he said about Washington’s status on the development against France.
The coup in Niger is of massive loss to France whose citizens also complained bitterly after being evacuated. Reuters reported the reactions of French citizens who landed in Paris. “There are 262 people on board the plane, an Airbus A330, including a dozen babies, some European nationals” French foreign minister Catherine Colonna told AFP.
Earlier, a group of foreigners gathered outside the terminal with their luggage, as reported by Reuters. “I never thought we would leave like this, it is a scene worthy of a war movie” one of the many French nationals waiting to leave with her family said. The effect of the coup on France touched both her citizens.
Fast forward to one week later, after the expiration of the ultimatum by ECOWAS, there is still no action. France and US are still mounting notable covert pressure on ECOWAS to act and return the pro-western President of Niger who was craftily deposed by experienced presidential guard commander.
“We will not accept military intervention in Niger. Our survival depends on it” Abdoulaye Maiga. A spokesman for Mali government said on Niger state television. The determination of Mali and Burkina Faso to militarily support Niger was a barrier to ECOWAS. France knows and they must bypass Mali and Burkina Faso to be able covertly prevail on the Niger junta.
Nuland flew to Naimey on Monday to see the junta, but learning from history, Tchiani declined her visit. The intention of the US Acting Deputy Secretary of State was to meet the coup leader and also speak face to face with Basoum. The coup leader didn’t want to take chances; and denied permission of the US to have access to neither him nor Basoum.
She was welcomed by soldiers of the government and spoke extensively about his mission and the need to restore or transit to a government that is pro-west. “These conversations were extremely frank and at times quite difficult because, again, we are pushing for a negotiated solution” she opined, citing the importance of Niger to US.
“They are quite firm in their view of how they want to proceed, and it does not comport with the Constitution of Niger” she said, nothing that US will not support the junta. The constitution is to proceed with Basoum and restore the pro-western government. Earlier; US officially spoke with Basoum over the phone, and he asked US to intervene and restore constitutional order. A demand the junta won’t take lightly; the junta believes further time with Basoum could compromise its plans.
US Secretary of States strongly believes in diplomacy to resolve the situation and working assiduously to make sure the country doesn’t fall in the hands of Russia. UN support mediation, but with the junta firmly standing on zero interference, ECOWAS will be put under serious pressure by France and US as covert operation to restore constitutional order will dawn.
Military operation appears to be the only solution left for ECOWAS who are under intense pressure.
