On Wednesday, representatives of Niger’s military junta engaged in discussions with two Nigerian envoys, former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Sanusi II (Lamido Sanusi Lamido), offering a glimmer of hope for dialogue before a summit with regional leaders. This summit could potentially lead to decisive actions to restore democracy through military intervention.
These talks occurred amid accusations from Niger, claiming that France had violated its airspace, attacked a military camp, and released “terrorists” to undermine the nation’s stability. However, Paris promptly denied these allegations.
In a video statement, Amadou Abdramane, a spokesperson for the coup leaders, presented these allegations without providing concrete evidence. This move intensified tensions in the lead-up to Thursday’s meeting of West African heads of state. During this meeting, options for responding to the junta, including potential military measures, were anticipated to be discussed.
Abdramane asserted, “What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt to destabilise our country.”
Responding to these allegations, France’s foreign ministry refuted the claims. They stated that their aircraft had been operating under an existing agreement with Niger’s forces and their troops were present in the West African nation at the request of legitimate authorities.
The two envoys of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu were granted entry into the country despite its closed borders. The meeting took place in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
Of the two envoys, only Sanusi was able to meet with the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in the company of the Sultan of Damagaran. His counterpart, Abdulsalami Abubakar, engaged with other representatives at the airport.
Sanusi conveyed upon his return to Abuja, “We will continue our efforts to bridge the gap between the two parties and promote mutual understanding. This is a moment for public diplomacy.”
Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum’s party, accused the junta— which seized power on 26th July— of subjecting Bazoum and his family to “cruel” and “inhumane” detention at the presidential residence. The PNDS-Tarayya party released a statement on Wednesday, urging nationwide mobilisation to secure their release. According to the statement, the Bazoums lacked essential amenities such as running water, electricity, fresh supplies, and medical care.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, expressed deep concern for Bazoum’s safety and emphasised the desire for a reversal of the military coup. He confirmed the ongoing engagement with regional partners and other governments.
United States troops were stationed in Niger alongside forces from France, Italy, and Germany as part of international efforts to combat Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region. These efforts had been coordinated with the now-ousted civilian government.
Recent coups in the region, including in Mali and Burkina Faso, have featured anti-France sentiments. The coup in Niger is no exception, as the junta has annulled military agreements with France. However, Paris rejected this decision, asserting that it lacked authorisation from Niger’s legitimate authorities.
Although the coup was initially sparked by internal political dynamics, it rapidly evolved into an international issue. ECOWAS, the United Nations, and Western nations have pressured the junta to step down. Meanwhile, Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged support for the junta’s stance.
On Wednesday, the political landscape grew more intricate when former rebel Rhissa Ag Boula announced the formation of a new Council of Resistance for the Republic (CRR). The CRR aimed to reinstate Bazoum and vowed to employ any necessary means to counter the military takeover while supporting international diplomatic efforts.
This move by Ag Boula introduces the potential for internal conflicts within Niger. Prior to the coup, Niger had been a significant Western ally in a region where other countries had turned towards Russia. The closure of borders and airspace due to the coup has disrupted supply chains and humanitarian aid. Additionally, the takeover has triggered international financial sanctions against one of the world’s most impoverished nations.
