Tensions Rise in Niger as Neighbouring States Seek to Free Detained President

Tensions are escalating in Niger as neighbouring states consider a military intervention to free the detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The West African regional bloc Ecowas has approved the immediate deployment of a military force, although peaceful means remain a priority.

The military coup in Niger, which took place on the 26th of July, has plunged the country into a political crisis. The military has seized power and suspended the constitution, leading to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. Under Bazoum's leadership, Niger had been an important partner in the fight against Islamist terrorists in the Sahel region. The country, which is more than three times the size of Germany, is also situated on a central migration route through the Sahara desert to Libya. The presence of military bases maintained by Germany, the United States, and France further highlights the strategic importance of Niger.

The announcement by Ecowas regarding the formation of a military force raised many questions. While the deployment of the force was mentioned, no details were provided regarding its composition or a potential timeline for intervention. This seemed to be a move aimed at maintaining pressure on the new military leaders without immediately resorting to military action.

"The statement did not indicate which countries would be sending troops or funding the mission, meaning the formation of such a force will take time and allow for a peaceful solution," said West Africa analyst Mucahid Durmaz from consulting firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Prior to the Ecowas announcement, only Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin had expressed willingness to provide troops for a potential military intervention. Nigeria, with a population of 220 million, is likely to contribute the largest contingent to the force. However, experts note that Nigeria itself is grappling with significant security challenges, particularly along its 1,600-kilometer border with Niger. The military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso have indicated support for the Niger junta in the event of an Ecowas intervention.

Ecowas has previously carried out interventions, but only at the invitation of the respective states, as was the case in Gambia in 2017. The framework for such intervention forces is governed by agreements between the African Union and the regional blocs, often involving scenarios aimed at preventing severe human rights abuses.

"We are truly in uncharted territory here. There is no precedent for what Ecowas is attempting to do, and it is certainly not what this readiness force has ever been trained for," said Cameron Hudson, Africa analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The safety of President Bazoum remains a growing concern. He has been held captive at his residence for 16 days, with reports suggesting that the junta has threatened to kill him in the event of a military intervention. This threat has sparked global outrage and calls for the immediate release of Bazoum.

"After being denied electricity and phone communication for several days, the coup leaders are now denying him access to his personal physician and even food," said Bazoum's deputy cabinet chief Moussa Oumarou. Bazoum's wife and son also remain in detention, along with around 100 other members of the toppled government, including the son of former President Mahamadou Issoufou.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over the situation. "Credible reports that I have received suggest that the conditions of the detainment may amount to inhumane and degrading treatment, which constitutes a violation of international human rights norms," Türk stated. He called on those responsible to ensure the respect and protection of the human rights of President Bazoum and all individuals detained with him.

The African Union has expressed its support for the measures taken by Ecowas to restore constitutional order in Niger. The organization also reiterated its call for the immediate release of President Bazoum, his family members, and his government.

German Minister for International Development, Svenja Schulze, remains hopeful for a peaceful solution following the coup. She noted that no lives had been lost thus far, which is uncommon in such situations, and emphasized the importance of regional pressure to achieve a peaceful resolution. International support for regional efforts is crucial in this regard.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-11 News

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