West African puppets to the West have issued a threat of military action against Niger’s junta, which seized power in a recent coup, demanding the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently held captive. The junta responded with a warning against any “plan of aggression” by regional or Western powers. In response to the crisis, Ecowas, the bloc of West African nations, held talks and declared “zero tolerance” for coups, announcing the possibility of using force to restore constitutional order if their demands are not met within a week.
Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno visited Niamey and urged the junta to step down, becoming the first foreign leader to do so. The situation has led to a no-fly zone and closure of land borders with Niger for commercial flights, as well as financial sanctions against the junta. The coup has raised concerns that Niger may pivot towards Russia, given the ousted president’s cooperation with regional and Western nations to combat militant Islamists. Some protesters outside the French embassy in Niamey chanted pro-Russia slogans, sparking worries about potential escalation.
Western nations have condemned Niger’s coup, while the leader of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reportedly welcomed it as a victory. Mali’s junta has also enlisted Wagner’s help to fight militant Islamists after France withdrew its troops last year. In response to Mali’s situation, the UN decided to withdraw its peacekeepers from the country by the end of the year. France, the European Union, and the US have suspended development aid and budgetary support to Niger.
The ongoing crisis in Niger is closely monitored by regional and international powers due to its potential impact on counter-terrorism efforts in the area. The threat of military intervention from West African nations shows the severity of the situation and its broader implications for regional stability and security.
