ECOWAS delegation leaves Niger without meeting junta leader

A delegation representing the West African bloc, ECOWAS, departed Niger after failing to meet with coup leader General Abdourahmane Tiani, who recently announced the termination of military agreements between Niamey and Paris. Led by former Nigerian head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, the delegation had come to Niger to present the demands of ECOWAS leaders, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The dignitaries left Niger without meeting the junta leader or the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the chairman of ECOWAS, had urged the representatives to strive for a conclusive and amicable resolution to the situation in Niger.

In response to possible aggression from ECOWAS, the coup leaders in Niger stated they would retaliate immediately. Consequently, they have terminated the mandates of the American, French, Nigerian, and Togolese ambassadors, announcing the cancellation of military pacts between Niamey and Paris.

The coup coincided with Niger’s Independence Day celebrations, during which numerous young men gathered to show support for the military takeover, waving Russian flags and expressing anti-French sentiments. General Abdourahmane Tiani, the coup leader, spoke out against potential interference from ECOWAS and Western powers during the demonstrations.

While the coup leaders have harnessed anti-West and anti-French sentiment in their narrative, it is likely that their motivations were driven by self-serving reasons. President Bazoum’s reshuffle of the presidential guard, which removed General Tiani from his position, may have been a significant factor.

These events have also brought to light underlying tensions and discontents in Niger, including a sense of hostility towards France. Some attribute this hostility to France’s colonial history in the country, but the main issue seems to be economic. Despite receiving substantial military assistance and aid from Western powers, the majority of impoverished youth in Niger have not seen significant benefits, leading to feelings of elite disregard for their needs.