Niger Republic is awaiting a reaction from the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community Of West African States, ECOWAS, after coup leaders in Niamey missed a deadline to reinstate the ousted president, a move that the organisation has warned could lead to military involvement.
In response to the junta’s reluctance to bow to external pressure and step down by Sunday following the July 26 power grab, ECOWAS announced it would release a statement on its next moves.
The EU has taken a firm stance in response to the region’s seventh coup in three years. Niger is important to the United States, Europe, China, and Russia because of its uranium and oil reserves, as well as its crucial role in the fight against Islamist militants.
The junta blocked its airspace until further notice on Sunday, when the deadline expired, citing the increasing possibility of military intervention.
An escalation in the dispute with ECOWAS might further destabilize one of the world’s poorest areas, which is suffering from a food crisis and fighting an insurgency that has killed thousands and caused millions to leave.
If the arrested president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not released and reinstalled, ECOWAS defense leaders have agreed on a possible military action plan, including when and where to strike.
Any military involvement could be complicated by juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso promising to come to Niger’s aid if necessary.
Italy announced on Sunday that it had reduced personnel numbers in Niger in order to make place in its military installation for Italian people who may require protection if security deteriorates.
