Niger grapples with political uncertainty amid ECOWAS visit

Nearly one month into a military coup in Niger, the situation remains tense as the country grapples with political uncertainty. 

As part of efforts to reverse last month's coup a delegation from West Africa's main regional bloc, ECOWAS, has met with junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in the capital Niamey.

The delegation, led by Nigeria's former military leader, Abdulsalami Abubakar, accompanied by ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, has also met with Niger's ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum.

• Situation volatile in Niger, potential ECOWAS  military intervention
  

  Coup in Niger

  The situation remains volatile in Niger.

Although there have been no details on the outcome of the talks, General Tiani said in a televised address that neither the coup leaders nor the people of Niger want war and remain open to dialogue.

In short, neither the military junta nor the people of Niger want war and remain open to dialogue.

But let us be clear, if an aggression is launched against us, it will not be the easy ride that some people think it is.

They will be up against 26 million Nigerians.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Junta Leader

• Conflicting reactions within Niger to coup d’état
  

  Conflicting reactions within Niger to coup d’état

  The African continent has been rocked by yet another coup d’état, this time in Niger. Many across the West African nation have denounced the coup while numerous others have supported what they describe as the end of colonialism.

Touray said the junta was pursuing its own agenda and would launch a national dialogue to consult on a transition back to democracy which should last no longer than three years.

I'm calling on all enforcers to engage in an inclusive national dialogue.

The aim ... of this dialogue is to consult all the components and the people of Niger in the best ways to lay the foundations of a new constitutional life on pillars deeply rooted in our traditional and Republican values.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Junta Leader

The meeting of ECOWAS representatives with coup leaders and former president Bazoum come as the block on Friday doubled down on its threat to use force as a last resort restore democracy in Niger.

• Potential ECOWAS military intervention in Niger
  

  West African bloc plan potential military intervention in Niger

  The West African defense chiefs have planned out possible military intervention in Niger to reverse the last week’s coup there.

It was revealed that an undisclosed “D Day” had been agreed to for a possible military intervention in Niger. This statement led to thousands of people turning out on the streets of Niamey as a show of support for the coup and its leaders.

In Niger where coups are commonplace and normally rejected by the masses no matter where or when they take place, the current public support for the military junta is indicative of a general sense of disillusion and dissatisfaction with the previous regime, a desire for change.

The belief that the military might bring stability or address grievances that have not been adequately addressed by the previous government, are further reasons behind the public support for the junta and its leaders.

However, it is evident that Western countries are pushing for military intervention in Niger to reverse the coup and protect their interests.

• Has Niger coup ended French uranium looting, US meddling?
  

  Has Niger coup ended French uranium looting, US meddling?

  The growing crisis across Niger and the military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum by his own presidential guards seems to be turning the tables for the West.

Are they really seeking the establishment of civilian rule, or are there real concerns that the persistence of a military rule would not meet the demands of people across the West African nation?

Western countries claim that they are involved in a fight against terrorists linked to al Qaeda and Daesh, but a cursory glance at the West's interests in Niger proves that assuming the western powers are seeking civilian rule in Nigeria for the sake of its people, would be naive.

• Niger coup stems from people's rejection of 'French presence'
  

  Niger coup stems from people's rejection of 'French presence': Ex-diplomat

  A former French envoy says the coup in Niger is mostly caused by the neocolonial relationship between France and the African continent.

In the case of France, Paris is seeking to maintain its grip on the valuable Uranium reserves in Niger since the French government is entirely dependent on Niger as some 25% of Niger's uranium production goes to France.

Using that uranium to produce electricity, Paris has become a large exporter of power supplying Germany and other European countries.

This makes France huge profits, which makes it hard for Paris to accept the political changes in Niger.

In the case of the United States, Washington is seeing a growing tendency toward Russia among people in West African nations, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and, Guinea.

• Algeria refuses to grant France use of airspace for Niger military operation
  

  Algeria rejects request by France to use airspace for military operation in Niger

  Algeria has denied a request by France to use its airspace for conducting a military operation in crisis-hit Niger.

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