Swift Denial – ECOWAS denies plan to invade Niger Republic
By Daily Tab24. Updated: Aug 27, 2023. 10:42 am.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country” Omar Alieu Touray declared, while making it clear there is decision from ECOWAS to lean on diplomatic efforts, through dialogue to get the problem in Niger resolved.
ECOWAS continue to fumble, accused of being pushed by France to invade Niger to protect French interest and massive export of uranium; since then, ECOWAS had find life quite difficult. The July 26 coup gained massive international attention, the first of African coup to attract such attention in the world. Many reasons have been said to be behind the attention a poor country like Niger Republic attracted for doing what has been prevalent in Africa.
Observers said uranium is the central issue in Niger Republic and not necessarily the people. Uranium is a natural resources used in making nuclear warheads and generating power. Uranium is one of the major natural resources that is capable of making a world-power, conscious of what Niger possesses, interest in the politics of the country will always stand out or attract international interest.
Tinubu, the chairman of ECOWAS has a complicated relationship with U.S and was reportedly charged with drug related crime, which has not been made clear. The charges were there when he contested for the presidential election of his country, an election that is being challenged in the country’s election tribunal.
Tinubu’s relationship with France is good, and the President has traveled to France more than any other European country, making the claim that his ECOWAS led bloc is under the influence of France. Immediately after his election victory was announced; he was announced the chairman of ECOWAS afterwards. Nigeria is the leading African Economy and the most populous African country – the influence of the country on ECOWAS member states is massive.
ECOWAS has failed to garner sufficient support to push through their effort to restore constitutional order in Niger, and immediately threats to the Niger’s junta didn’t make them succumb, it was clear military operation have to be embraced. ECOWAS activated standby forces, an activation that is yet to have any effect.
The actions of ECOWAS which started with ultimatum were heavily criticized, with Algeria opposed to military intervention and Russia warning against military action, EECOWAS seems to have jettisoned any military intervention in Niger. The cons and pros of a military intervention may have been considered.
France is gathering her allies and continues to influence them to protect her interests in Niger, but the Junta appears determined to respond blatantly to any move against Niger’s interest nurtured by them. recent developments appear to be going the direction of the junta but they are not taking anything for granted.
The junta has placed the country’s military on high alert for any possible or abrupt attack against the country. Agreement has been signed with Mali and Burkina Faso to aid the country should any military attack emanate. The defence chief of the now constituted military government of Niger issued an internal memo, urging troops to be at high alert to respond to any aggression.
“Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt” the memo said, while urging Niger’s troops to be ready to be deployed at any given time. The junta doesn’t want to believe the position of ECOWAS to avoid surprise attack.
ECOWAS might have publicly denied a military action in Niger to take advantage of a surprise attack, but it appears the junta is ahead of the bloc in proactive reasoning.
