Niger is still in transition despite international calls for the return of a civilian leadership. The crisis began after a coup in July 2023 ousted the democratically elected president.
Niger has suspended its military agreement with the United States “with immediate effect,” according to the spokesperson of the transitional government, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, dealing a blow to American security interests in the sahel region of Africa.
According to a statement from the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) released last night by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the junta in Niger, the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum and his associates were apprehended while attempting to escape abroad.
Algeria has made the decision to suspend its mediation efforts in Niger. This announcement came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, October 9th. The neighboring country of Niger has raised concerns about the genuine willingness of the Nigerien authorities to engage in this mediation.
Following the coup d’état that occurred on July 26th in Niger, the borders between this country and most members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been closed as part of sanctions. However, this decision is causing outrage among neighboring countries.
The chiefs of staff from of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded a two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the upcoming steps for a potential military intervention in Niger, aimed at “restoring constitutional” ruling, weeks after the coup against President Mohamed Bazoum.
During a heated and prolonged meeting, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) has officially decided to oppose the use of military force in Niger. This decision, which was supposed to be formalized last week, puts the AU at odds with the Economy Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has decided to immediately activate its standby forces for a possible military intervention.
The Nigerien putschists announced on the evening of Thursday August 03, 2023 that they were ending the mandates of their ambassadors in four countries including Nigeria and the United States of America.
France is taking action to repatriate its citizens present in Niger. Diplomatic authorities have informed the French residing in the West African country that an evacuation operation is being planned.
The coup d’etat in Niger led the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to meet in extraordinary session in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday July 30, 2023, under the aegis of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and current chairman of ECOWAS.
