Amidst the escalating tension between the military regime in Niger and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerien regime has openly challenged ECOWAS’ decision to deploy troops to the country to confront the regime and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Reports reveal that the military regime in Niger has taken a daring stance, reportedly issuing a grave threat against President Bazoum’s life as ECOWAS troops prepare to enter the country. Western officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, disclosed that representatives of the junta conveyed this threat to U.S. Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, during her recent visit to the nation.
The Associated Press (AP) brought to light this unsettling development, indicating that the junta warned of the potential assassination of President Bazoum. The regime’s defiance comes after ECOWAS leaders convened at the 2nd Extraordinary Session in Abuja on Thursday, where they collectively reaffirmed their commitment to deploy a standby force to address the crisis.
Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, conveyed that the decision for military intervention was backed by the military authorities across the sub-region. He emphasized that this action is not one country opposing another but a concerted effort by ECOWAS members to uphold the community’s subscribed instruments.
Moreover, Touray disclosed that discussions on financing for the operation have taken place, and appropriate measures have been adopted to ensure the successful deployment of the standby force.
As tensions escalate and the confrontation between the military regime and ECOWAS intensifies, the international community is closely watching the unfolding situation in Niger. The regime’s bold challenge to the regional organization’s authority and the threat against President Bazoum’s life have heightened concerns about the stability of the nation and the effectiveness of ECOWAS’ intervention efforts.
