The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold a "special summit" in Abuja on Sunday to assess the situation in Niger, Euronews has reported.
Observers expect that 15 countries will impose sanctions on the rebels who ousted the Nigerian president, similar to measures taken earlier by the European Union and France. These measures specifically include suspending budgetary and security aid to Niger. Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria and leader of ECOWAS, condemned the coup and pledged that both the organization and the international community would do everything to protect democracy and its establishment in the region.
Pressure on General Abdurahman Tiani, the leader of the Nigerien presidential guard and the key figure behind the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been in captivity for four days, is intensifying. On Friday, the African Union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the military to restore "constitutional authority." U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken assured President Bazoum, who is in detention, of Washington's unwavering support. Located at the heart of the Sahel, Niger is one of the world's poorest countries, with a population of up to 20 mn, and one of the fastest-growing populations on the planet.
General Tiani, who proclaimed himself the head of state, explained the state coup as a response to the deteriorating security situation. The recent events will particularly impact France, for whom Niger was the last ally in the Sahel region and a "combat partner" in the fight against jihadists. Currently, up to 1500 French troops are deployed in the country, working in coordination with the local army.
Official development assistance from Paris to Niger amounted to 120 mn euros in 2022. However, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the amount was supposed to increase in 2023 but has been frozen.
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