Niger, like its neighbors’ Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso is currently ruled by a military junta after an unexpected coup. On July 26, the Nigerien presidential guard, headed by General Abdourahmane Tiani, overthrew the sitting President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, ECOWAS has taken several economic sanctions against Niger.
ECOWAS Sanctions
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met on July 30 in Abuja, Nigeria for an extraordinary session to discuss its response after this orchestrated coup. At its conclusion, several West African states took harsh econonmic measures against the military government in Niger.
Among others, the immediate suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Niger, as well as the freezing of assets for military officials involved in the coup. It also gave the putschists an ultimatum until August 6 to reinstate president Mohamed Bazoum otherwise a military intervention will be inevitable.
For some, France and the West are behind these decisions by ECOWAS. France in particular, does not wish to lose its last bastion of hope in the Sahara after being asked to remove its military presence in other countries in that region. France is the biggest looser were the coup to succeed.
Niger’s strong Supporters
Despite ECOWAS and the Western pressure, Abdourahmane Tiani has not flinched.
On the countrary, French media RFI and France 24 have been suspended as well as the export of uranium to France and Europe.
Niger has received support from Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Algeria is also against any military intervention in Niger. The spokesperson for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), General Salifou Mody, traveled to Bamako and Ouagadougou recently to show his country’s support.
At home, the putschists are celebrated as heroes. On July 30, during Independence day, millions paraded the streets of Niamey in support of Abdourahmane Tiani. They chanted anti-French and pro-Russian slogans.
