Niger: Macron Demands Release of Detained President, ECOWAS Calls for Fresh Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a demand for the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who was taken into custody on July 26, 2023, during a military coup led by former commander of Niger’s presidential guard, Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Macron also called for a swift return to democratic governance in Niger, a former French colony that witnessed the overthrow of its elected leadership in a military coup in July.
Leaders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have indicated their commitment to exploring peaceful solutions to the crisis, keeping various options available for resolution. As part of these efforts, ECOWAS has initiated the activation of a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
France, the former colonial ruler, along with the European Union, suspended security cooperation and financial aid to Niger following the coup. The United States also raised the possibility of reconsidering its aid.
The coup has strained relations between France and Niger, particularly since France has stationed soldiers in different regions of West Africa as part of anti-terror operations.
Macron emphasized that France’s involvement in operations like Serval and Barkhane had prevented the rise of caliphates near its borders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He noted that when the fight against terrorism is not prioritized by new rulers following a coup, France doesn’t feel compelled to remain engaged, which he described as a significant challenge for the affected countries.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu welcomed a delegation of Islamic Ulamas and encouraged them to continue dialogue with the military junta in the Niger Republic to seek a peaceful resolution.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, stated that the President aims to explore peaceful options for resolution and is actively supporting ongoing dialogue efforts led by the Ulammas. The UK’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, recognized Nigeria’s diplomatic mediation efforts to restore democracy in its northern neighbor.
