Niger Crisis Escalates as Russia Warns Against Ecowas Military Action
In the ongoing turmoil surrounding Niger’s recent coup, Russia has issued a stern caution against any potential military involvement by the regional bloc, Ecowas.
The Russian foreign ministry has expressed concerns that such intervention could lead to prolonged conflict and destabilize the entire Sahel region. While Russia has not formally endorsed the coup, the situation has raised tensions with the US, which supports the deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum and suspects the Wagner mercenary group is exploiting the chaos.
Pro-coup demonstrators, some waving Russian flags, rallied near a French military base close to the capital NIamey on Friday. Amid the crisis, both France and the US maintain military bases in Niger, often used for counterterrorism operations against extremist factions in the wider region.
Ecowas nations’ military officials are reportedly scheduled to meet to discuss plans for potential military intervention, even as the bloc maintains its willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria emphasized that all options, including the use of force, remain on the table if needed.
The US has urged the junta to relinquish power and reinstate democratic governance. Though not explicitly advocating military action, the US stance aligns with Ecowas’s objective of restoring constitutional order.
As the situation intensifies, worries grow for the well-being of deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held captive since the coup on July 26. Reports suggest deteriorating conditions for Bazoum and his family, including deprivation of essentials such as food, electricity, and medical care. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noted the concerning conditions of detention, which some view as inhumane and degrading treatment.
Human Rights Watch has disclosed that Bazoum conveyed the harsh treatment he and his family are enduring, characterizing it as “inhuman and cruel.” He has particularly highlighted the dire medical needs of his son, who suffers from a severe heart condition.
As the situation remains tense, global attention remains focused on the evolving crisis in Niger and the potential consequences of any action taken by Ecowas and other international stakeholders.