Two Abducted Brothers Found in Gachie, Police Still Silent on Missing Activist

Date; 08/08/2023

By; Dan Wambua

Niamey, Niger. Amid escalating tensions following months coup in Niger, the leaders of the junta have rejected Victoria Nulands attempts to meet with the ousted president and advocate for the restoration of governance. Nuland, the acting deputy secretary of state of the United States visited Niamey. Held a two-hour meeting with officers, including Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, who is now serving as the military chief of staff. However, her requests to meet with General Abdourahamane Tiani, the self-proclaimed leader of Niger, and Mohamed Bazoum the detained elected president were turned down by the junta.

Nuland described her discussions as "frank and difficult" when speaking to reporters. She expressed her concern about returning Niger to rule. Conveyed that the United States is willing to assist in facilitating a return to constitutional order. Despite this offer of help from the United States, there was no indication, from the junta that they would accept assistance.

The coup leaders' intransigence has raised apprehensions within the international community. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is convening to discuss potential actions, including military intervention, should President Bazoum not be reinstated by the previously set deadline.

Nuland also highlighted the potential consequences for Niger's relations with the United States if the junta were to further align with Russia's Wagner mercenaries, as neighboring Mali had done.

While Nuland expressed hope that diplomacy remains a viable path, tensions continue to escalate. The junta recently closed Niger's airspace, citing the threat of foreign military intervention. This move followed reports of pre-deployed forces in nearby Central African countries in preparation for potential intervention.

The Ecowas summit on Thursday will address the situation, although divisions within the bloc have emerged due to support for the coup leaders from Mali and Burkina Faso, both Ecowas members. These alliances have complicated the region's response to the crisis.

The coup's repercussions extend beyond Niger's borders, impacting the entire Sahel region. Given the nation's strategic significance, owing to its uranium and oil resources and its involvement in the fight against Islamist extremists, global powers like the US, Europe, China, and Russia are closely monitoring the situation.

Amidst the turmoil, President Bazoum has called upon the international community to aid in restoring constitutional order. His democratic election two years ago earned him recognition as a crucial ally in the fight against regional extremism.

Gen Dominique Trinquand, a former French military representative at the UN, characterized the junta as "isolated." The withdrawal of aid, including electricity supply from Nigeria, and the suspension of development aid from France to Burkina Faso, underscore the isolation and consequences faced by the junta.

As the world watches, the fragile balance between democracy and military rule hangs in the balance, with the future of Niger at stake. The outcome of these diplomatic and strategic maneuvers will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of events in the Sahel region and beyond.