African countries warn ECOWAS against the use of force against Niger, and France responds to coup leaders.

 

General Abdelrahman Tiani (right), the leader of what is known as the National Transitional Council in Niger (Reuters).

The transitional military authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Conakry have warned against any military intervention in Niger. They stated that any such action would be considered a declaration of war against them as well. Both Mali and Burkina Faso condemned the sanctions imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), considering them illegitimate and directed against the people of Niger.

Guinea Conakry's ruling military council also refused to comply with ECOWAS sanctions, describing them as illegitimate. They emphasized the need to respect their sovereignty.

ECOWAS demanded the immediate release of the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and the full restoration of constitutional order in Niger. They warned that failure to meet these demands within a week could lead to necessary actions, including the use of force. ECOWAS also suspended all trade and financial exchanges between member states and Niger.

A spokesperson for the self-proclaimed National Transitional Council in Niger accused France of planning attacks on the presidential palace to free detained President Mohamed Bazoum. However, France's Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, denied these accusations of French military intervention in Niger, stating that the priority was to ensure the security of French citizens.

Chad's transitional President, Mohamed Idriss Déby, held discussions in Niger with President Mohamed Bazoum and the leader of the self-proclaimed National Transitional Council, General Abdelrahman Tiani, and former President Mohamed Issoufou, to discuss solutions to the crisis in Niger.

Internationally, a US State Department official stated that the United States was still evaluating the situation in Niger and saw little chance of reversing the coup. The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, spoke with Niger's army commander, Abdo Sidiqo, discussing ways to ensure the safety of American citizens and the situation in Niger.

The Kremlin expressed grave concern over the situation in Niger and called on all parties to exercise restraint and return to the legal framework as soon as possible. The United Kingdom suspended its long-term development aid to Niger and called for the immediate return of elected President Mohamed Bazoum and a return to constitutional order. The European Union's foreign policy official, Josep Borrell, supported all actions taken by ECOWAS in response to the coup in Niger, emphasizing quick and resolute support.