Niger's junta isn't backing down, and a regional force prepares to intervene. Here’s what to expect
AdminRegional mediation efforts to reverse the coup in Niger and restore its democracy collapsed as soon as they started. Tensions have escalated as the Sunday deadline nears for possible military intervention by other West African countries.
On Friday, the region's defense chiefs finalized a plan to use force against the Niger junta — needing approval by their political leaders — if Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated as Niger’s president. A delegation of the bloc known as ECOWAS had gone to Niger but could not meet with the coup leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who later declared that any aggression against Niger "will see an immediate response and without warning.”
What started as an overthrow of the president by his closest commanders in the Presidential Guard has received the support of some other soldiers, including the Nigerien army command.
Here's what to expect:
ECOWAS INTERVENTION
This would be the first time in years that ECOWAS would try to forcefully put down a coup in West Africa, which has seen several successful coups since 2020.
“The events of the last two days make it more likely that this (military) intervention may actually happen,” said Nathaniel Powell, Africa analyst at the Oxford Analytica geopolitical intelligence firm. “And if they offer resistance to an ECOWAS intervention, this can turn out to be really catastrophic.”
ECOWAS would be doing so as a split family, with three other regimes — Mali and Burkina Faso, which border Niger, and Guinea — choosing to side with the junta.
On Saturday, Nigeria’s Senate advised the nation’s president, the current ECOWAS chair, to further explore options other than the use of force to restore democracy in Niger, noting the “existing cordial relationship between Nigeriens and Nigerians.” Final decisions by ECOWAS, however, are taken by a consensus among its member countries.
Niger's other neighbors include Chad, whose leader has tried to mediate between the coup plotters and ECOWAS, and Algeria and Libya, which are not members of the bloc. This leaves any military intervention through land largely restricted to Nigeria’s 1,600-km (1,000-mile) border with Niger.
MILITARY STRATEGY
It's not clear what the strategy of military intervention in land-locked Niger would look like, but the country enjoys some territorial advantage. With Bazoum being held in the capital, Niamey, the focus will start there.
With a population of 25 million, Niger is West Africa’s second-largest country in terms of landmass, spanning over 1.26 million square kilometers (486,000 square miles) — a hundred times that of Gambia, where ECOWAS last intervened militarily in 2017.
On the frontline of efforts to reverse the coup in Niger is its longtime ally Nigeria, which has West Africa’s largest military strength of 223,000 personnel — 22 times that of Niger’s 10,000, according to World Bank Open Data, and four times that of Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Niger combined.
In Niger, some believe the military intervention might involve airstrikes. But with Bazoum still in detention, he could be both a bargaining tool and a shield for the junta.
An intervention force coming overland from Nigeria would have to cross a mostly unoccupied area that hosts more than 200,000 refugees who have fled violence in northern Nigeria.
Niger's international airport in Niamey is just 12 kilometers (7 miles) from the presidential palace where Bazoum is being held, which could make it more difficult to be overtaken. The country has two other international airports, including one in Agadez, where the U.S. military operates a drone base.
CONCERNS FOR THE WORLD
The latest military takeover amid a resurgence of coups in West Africa has been particularly concerning for the West, which saw Niger as its last remaining strategic partner in its counterterrorism fight in the Sahel. Niger also matters to the global market on various fronts, including its 5% share of the global supply of uranium.
Nnamdi Obasi, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group, warned that a military intervention “could also deteriorate into a conflict by proxy between forces outside Africa, between those supporting the restoration of democracy and those supporting the junta, which has taken a strong anti-Western stance.”
On one side are Niger’s longtime strategic allies the United States and France. On the other are Russia and its private military contractor, Wagner, which have been hailed as allies by the military regimes of Mali and Burkina Faso.
CONSEQUENCES IN NIGER
There are fears that any battle in the event of a military intervention by ECOWAS will not be limited to Niger's capital.
“I fear the junta would gladly use its own people as cannon fodder or human shields, and ECOWAS militaries don’t have a good record when it comes to avoiding collateral damage,” said James Barnett, a researcher specializing in West Africa at Hudson Institute.
Even the best-case scenario from such an intervention would leave ECOWAS troops stationed in the country as anti-coup forces for what could be a lengthy period. That doesn't look good for democracy, both for the country and the region, said Powell with Oxford Analytica.
“That would make Bazoum look like he is only a president because of foreign armies, and that is going to destroy his legitimacy.”
CHALLENGES FOR NIGERIA
Nigeria leading the ECOWAS intervention in Niger could face challenges on the homefront, where its military has struggled with overstretched, outgunned and outnumbered personnel, fighting armed groups that have killed thousands in the past year across the northern and central regions.
“Nigerian military has internal problems in Nigeria,” said Bello Tangaza, a resident of Tangaza in northern Sokoto state. “They have bandits, they have Boko Haram — but they have failed to tackle these problems and they want to jump to Niger.”
A military intervention led by Nigeria could shift attention from the armed groups that sometimes enter the country through the porous border with Niger. Four people were abducted by gunmen on Wednesday in Tangaza district, and residents fear the situation won't improve anytime soon if the military turns its attention to Niger.
Last Wednesday, the world was greeted with the news of a military takeover in Niger. Expectedly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctioned and suspended Niger from the bloc. The grouping went further and threatened a military intervention if President Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week. Similarly, the United States (US), France, and the European Union (EU) wasted no time in condemning the coup. The reaction to the coup from within and outside the region is strongest compared to other recent coups, and the reasons are not far-fetched. Niger is a cornerstone of the Sahel Strategies of the US, France, and the European Union. Exports of uranium from Niger are vital for French and European nuclear energy operations. So, it came as no surprise when France also threatened action against the Junta if they harm “French interests” in the country. While there is precedent for ECOWAS threat and use of military intervention, the equation changed when in solidarity with Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali released a joint statement condemning the possibility of military intervention, stating plainly that “all military intervention against Niger will be considered equivalent to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali”. This game-changing declaration means the use of force against the putschists in Niger would push West Africa into a conventional war, one that will quickly become a new flashpoint in great power competition with devasting consequences for the region.
Just as in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, the reasons Junta in Niger cited for their actions included chronic insecurity, poor economic conditions, and misrule.
Russia, France, and the wave of populist coups
The overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum was the sixth successful coup in West Africa since 2020. General Abdourahamane Tiani who headed the presidential guard was later declared as head of state. On the surface, these coups are ambitious power grabs by disgruntled officers interrupting Africa’s democratisation process. Just as in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, the reasons Junta in Niger cited for their actions included chronic insecurity, poor economic conditions, and misrule. These reasons are not without merit. Maybe except for Guinea, there is a strong anti–neocolonial sentiment held by both citizens and the populations of these countries.
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, and like Mali and Burkina Faso, is consistently at the bottom of the Human Development Index. Citizens of these countries blame neocolonial economic policies and structures for their economic woes, while experts blame the chronic underdevelopment in this region for the security challenges such as terrorism, human trafficking, and other security problems. According to the World Bank, Niger has been faced with an influx of displaced persons from Nigeria and Mali, and as of 2022, there were almost 295,000 refugees with roughly 350,000 displaced persons overall in the country. As of 2021, studies suggest that over 41.8 percent of Niger’s population is living in extreme poverty, and while there was a GDP growth of 1.4 percent in 2021, projections show that new economic programs are expected to boost GDP per-capita by 15 percent in the next year. Furthermore, irrigation programmes and a good rainy season increased agricultural production by 27 percent, a big boost considering agriculture alone accounts for 40 percent of the country’s GDP.
Niger has been faced with an influx of displaced persons from Nigeria and Mali, and as of 2022, there were almost 295,000 refugees with roughly 350,000 displaced persons overall in the country.
France has led regional security efforts for most of the last decade. Aside from setting up the G5-Sahel Force, Paris deployed over 5,000 troops under Operation Barkhane, the UN’s MINUSMA had a 15,000-troop presence while the EU had special forces deployed under Operation Takuba. Under these security programmes, terrorism and violence in the region only increased. When Ibrahim Traore ceased power in Burkina Faso in September 2022, 40 percent of the country’s territory had come under the control of jihadists leading France and its European allies to lose credibility as security providers in the region.
UN and French-led security programs have often failed with mainstream media often downplaying this while simultaneously exaggerating Russia’s growing influence in the region. While there is evidence of Russian actors exploiting anti-western sentiments, these exist because of poor governance, foreign meddling, and developmental challenges. Military cooperation between Mali and France has also deteriorated since the coup. In April last year, Mali expelled French troops ending Operation Barkhane after nine years of operations. In January 2023, Burkina Faso ended a 2018 military agreement with France and demanded the expulsion of French forces operating in the country. In both instances, the expulsion of French forces was celebrated by citizens who are often seen waving Russian flags alongside their own national flags.
UN and French-led security programs have often failed with mainstream media often downplaying this while simultaneously exaggerating Russia’s growing influence in the region.
The coups in Mali and Burkina Faso saw Niger becoming one of the main partners of France, the US, and the EU in the region. French and EU personnel were redeployed from Mali and Burkina Faso to Niger, which is also home to a French base and at least two US airbases making it the main platform for France, AFRICOM, and the EU operations in the region. This is a security arrangement that the recent coup is going to disrupt. The Junta has revoked two military cooperation agreements with France, one dating back to 1977 and the second was signed in 2020. Niger holds more importance to France and Europe beyond security in West Africa. For perspective, over 50 percent of Nigerien uranium ore goes to France’s nuclear energy system, and 24 percent of uranium imports to the EU come from Niger. With the threat of a military leadership pivoting from France, Paris and Western allies are sure to deliberate action and support any means to restore Bazoum, thereby securing their access to key energy resources for Europe.
ECOWAS mulls intervention
While plans of intervention are been discussed by ECOWAS officials in Abuja, Nigeria, a delegation of officials arrived in Niamey on 3 August as part of mediation efforts. However, the delegation did not spend the night as planned, nor did it meet with coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani or deposed President Mohamed Bazoum; a sign that talks did not go as planned. On that same Thursday, Senegal confirmed its troops will join any ECOWAS intervention in Niger. While the Niger’s Junta said; “any aggression or attempted aggression against the Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces on one of (the bloc’s) members, with the exception of suspended friendly countries.”
An ECOWAS military intervention is the worst thing that could take place in the region considering the existing security conditions. While Nigeria may contribute the highest number of troops to an ECOWAS military outfit, the country is not in a condition to conduct a war involving multiple countries. Furthermore, mass displacement and high mortality and migration will surely follow. With numerous internal challenges, economic, developmental, and humanitarian, facing the Sahel region, triggering a conflict between weak and fragile states amounts to self-destruction.
A better approach is for ECOWAS to enact deeper sanctions while doubling down on a diplomatic solution. In addition to the termination of existing financial aid packages, Niger could be on the receiving end of heavier sanctions that could be targeted towards financial ecosystems, transport, or other critical economic sectors. ECOWAS countries have enormous leverage vis-à-vis Niger. For Instance, Nigeria supplies 70 percent of Niger’s electricity, and taken together Senegal and Cote Ivoire supply 40 percent of Niger’s refined petroleum. Commitments will also be tested under a sanctions-heavy environment. However, it is important to factor in the will of the Nigerien people, some of whom have expressed vocal support for the junta.
With numerous internal challenges, economic, developmental, and humanitarian, facing the Sahel region, triggering a conflict between weak and fragile states amounts to self-destruction.
In all, the coup in Niger is one coup too many for the region, but with regional security and geopolitical dynamics, it important to access the rationale of an ECOWAS military intervention. On a wider geopolitical front, multipolarity and elements of alignment and non-alignment are emerging faster than ever, and traditional relations are being tested, terminated, or renegotiated. The so-called great power competition is in full swing and African countries are moving away from being passive, occupying a proactive role whether or not it follows an ‘established decorum’.
One week after the coup, the Junta is making attempts to consolidate its grip on power. It has announced the reopening of borders with five neighbours, appointed new governors to the countries five regions, and says the country is on a transition towards democracy. However, no timelines were given. This should be seen from a pragmatists lens as well considering the plausibility of an outright economic collapse. With these developments, it must be noted that military conflict will only affect vulnerable populations and further destabilise the region. An outcome that Africans do not wish for.
The wind blows in all directions, hurling dusty air into Ibrahim Ngaroua’s eyes and nostrils. He frequently blows his nose to get rid of the grit.
Seated under a neem tree to shelter from the searing heat of the sun in northern Cameroon, the former Boko Haram hostage recounts the distressing story of his capture by and escape from members of the terrorist organisation.
Gathered to hear him are students from the Yaoundé-based Heritage Higher Institute of Peace and Development Studies (HHIPDS), on a field trip to the Zamai camp for internally displaced people in the Far North region of Cameroon to hear witness accounts of the conflict.
"Hundreds of Boko Haram attackers struck our village in 2017," Ngaroua recalls, as his fellow survivors listen and nod.
"They took almost everybody in the village to their camp in Nigeria," he says.
Boko Haram started attacks in Nigeria in 2009, but its murderous campaign soon spread to the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Chad. The insurgents began their raids in Cameroon in 2014.
As of July this year, over 3,000 Cameroonians have been killed, according to the International Crisis Group. Another 250,000 have been displaced.
When Ngaroua, a 45-year old father of 12 and husband to six wives, recounts his four-year stay in the hands of his captors, the pain is palpable.
He says the women were separated from the men and everybody was forced to read the Koran.
"You couldn’t say no, because that would attract heavy punishment. Anyone who did something wrong was taken to the public square and flogged to serve as a lesson to others," he said.
Women abused
Ngaroua was a frequent witness to these public flogging sessions, and when pressed, he points to scars on his back and blisters on his soles.
"They were so painful that they made me cry," he says.
The women, he says, were compelled to wear burqas.
"They sewed burqas for the women so that they were covered from head to toe – only their eyes were visible," he says.
He adds that while the men were required to carry out all the chores – fetching water, gathering wood and doing farm work – the women weren’t allowed to go out.
They stayed at home, and many of them were used as sex slaves.
'I just want to die'
Such accounts have been verified by local development organisation ADELPA.
The NGO quotes one anonymous victim as saying: "After having fled Boko Haram, we came here for refuge. We saw how armed men entered our village at night. They set our houses on fires and we started to run.
"All of a sudden, they captured us, tortured us and threatened to kill us. We were repeatedly raped by several men," the victim said.
"Nowadays, I just want to die. I feel like a walking cadaver. I have been rejected by my husband and by my family. I am already dead on the inside, and society looks at me differently since this has happened. I wanted to kill myself, but I told myself to pass this horrible story on to someone."
She told ADELPA she hopes speaking out can help prevent this kind of atrocity from happening again – "so that nobody after me will have to live with this kind of shame, ever again".
Child victims
Child marriages were also common.
Aminatou, a 17-year-old survivor, was married off to a Boko Haram fighter.
"I had barely turned 13 when I was forced to marry one of the fighters," she recalls.
Asked how her so-called husband treated her, Aminatou simply shook her head.
"It was a hard life," she said. "Every night was a night of painful rape. I couldn’t say no, because the subsequent beating was merciless.
"I lost my virginity in a rather ruthless manner," she told RFI.
Escaping Boko Haram
Ngaroua recalls how his family made their escape in 2021. The military raided the camp and everybody, including the Boko Haram fighters, ran in different directions.
"Either you ran along with Boko Haram, or you ran towards the military. Either way, you could be killed," he told RFI.
"My family and I took our chance with the military," he said, a faint smile sweeping his face.
"Sometimes if the military figured out that you were not armed, they let you go and that is how we were able to escape," he said.
First he and his family returned to their home in Zeleved in Cameroon’s Far North region, but they found it deserted.
"It was like a ghost village: there was no one left," Ngaroua recalls. He says he then reached out to the authorities who relocated them, along with 600 others, to the Zamai camp.
"We feel safe here," he says, "but it’s so painful to be living on the charity of others."
[rfi]
Former National Deputy Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, warning the Nigerian leader against the planned invasion of Niger Republic by armies drawn from the West African sub-region.
The regional bloc has been mulling a military intervention as part of measures to restore democracy in the West African country following a coup that removed President Mohammed Bazoum last week, but George, a retired general, says Tinubu who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, should not drag Nigeria into a war.
In the letter dated Friday, August 4, George raised several reasons why the President should not consider a military intervention in Niger:
“Dear President Bola Tinubu,
“I write to you as a Nigerian, a retired General in the Nigerian military, a patriot and a war tactician.
“On July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, seized power and is now the new strongman of the Nigerien Armed Forces.
“As the leader of ECOWAS, you immediately invited other West African leaders and an ultimatum was given to Tchiani that Bazoum must be reinstated or else, a strong military force (just like ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone) will invade Niger Republic and forcefully reinstate him.
“The population of Niger Republic is 27,294,785 (just like Lagos State). Niamey is the capital and the population is 1,437,000 (not up to Alimosho Council in Lagos) and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who gets security briefings everyday since you were sworn in on May 29, 2023, you may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic.
“Now, my observations:
“First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger.
“It is okay to send a delegation. Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war.
“But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation.
“Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military.
“Number two, when you have a crisis within, you solve that first before going international with a ‘Big Brother’ posture.
“In your last national broadcast, you even admitted that Nigerians are going through a lot and everything is being done to alleviate their suffering.
“In Nigeria today, there is no food, no financial power to buy fuel, no light, no money. Nigerians are psychologically stranded and people are really going through a lot. So, I don’t know what our going to Niger Republic with full military power will achieve.
“If you remember, Nigeria, almost singularly, financed ECOMOG military operations and that was when our economy was better. Which economy are we going to use now to finance a full military operation in Niger Republic, when Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic?
“Will this not lead to the collapse of ECOWAS? Do we really know the type of partisan game Western powers, on one hand, Russia and China, on another hand, and some other African countries, are playing behind the scene? Can we really trust any one of them?
“Should Nigeria’s interest not play a major role before taking any decision of this gargantuan dimension which can lead to loss of lives and destruction of properties?
“I saw a video of some Nigeriens, on a road show, backing Tchiani and abusing you. That may have been arranged by the coupists quite alright but do we need that type of distraction now when everything is being done to ensure that Nigeria moves its economy to the next level?
“Do we know the involvement of Russians because of the Uranium in Niger? In Nigeria, the electoral process is yet to be concluded, the palliatives you promised because of the removal of fuel subsidy payment are still in the air, so why do we want to send our soldiers to engage in a needless war?
“In ECOMOG, Nigeria paid for almost everything. But the economy then was different from what we have now.
“We all know that Nigeriens, directly or indirectly, are fighting the French because of Assimilation Policy which has affected the Francophone speaking countries, unlike what we have in English speaking countries, like Nigeria.
“We should think twice before entering another country militarily. Don’t start what you cannot finish.
“Niger is one of the largest (land border) countries in the world and also one of the poorest. What exactly do we gain if we go to war in Niger? What? So that people can praise us as a defender of democracy? When people are dying at home, do we need that type of commendation from anybody?
“I am a retired General. So, I know that war is not easy. Please, don’t force Nigerians to engage in an endless war.
“Despite its mineral wealth, Niger Republic has been held down by its leadership for decades. More than 75 per cent of Nigeriens are poor and uneducated. At the right time, if they don’t want Tchiani, they will get rid of him. Let Nigeriens deal with their rot and let us focus on how to save our own situation back home.
“I am sure you know that seven Northern states – Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno – share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in Niger Republic. In case of any war, residents of these states will be direct targets of bullets and missiles. This can also lead to a resurgence of criminal activities in the border areas.
“Also, some countries, such as Algeria, Libya, Chad, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali share borders with Niger Republic. Can we trust these countries to support us militarily and otherwise in case of a war with Niger Republic?
“In all of these, we should ask ourselves, why did we finance a rail line to Maradi during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration?
“Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. Thousands of people – soldiers and civilians – have been killed, billions of dollars worth of properties have been destroyed and there is still no end in sight.
“In International Relations and Politics, you protect your national interest first. Burkina Faso and Mali openly declared that they would support Niger. Can we also trust Chad which has been under military rule since April 2021? Are we sure this move to invade Niger Republic will not affect ECOWAS?
“Is this the right time to spend the money Nigeria doesn’t have to fight in another country?Politically, economically, socially, we are still in a quagmire. Then you want to add the fourth one: Warfare.
“Anybody who has been in the military will tell you war is not an easy thing. We must be careful.
“Thank God you have started the diplomatic move. Let the envoys continue the diplomatic discussion in Niger. War is not a tea party,” he concluded.
[ripplesnigeria]
The Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has shut the Nigeria- Niger Republic border at Illela, Sokoto state.
Seven northern Nigeria states, including Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina Jigawa, Yobe and Borno share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in the Niger Republic
This action is in furtherance to the directive of President Bola Tinubu over the rec Ilela Border, Sokoto state, to implement the directive of President Bola Tinubu, against the military junta in the Niger Republic.
According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), on Twitter, the acting Customs CG performed the shutting himself
It read, “The Ag Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi arrived at the Illela border in Sokoto State to reinforce the Presidential directives on Border closure due to the coup in Niger Republic.
“There is also a working visit to border stations in the country.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is sanctioning Niger Republic after presidential guards toppled Mohamed Bazoum and announced Abdrahmane Tchiani as the new president.
Due to the coup, the West African regional body ordered the freezing of all Niger Republic enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks in all ECOWAS member states.
“Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS and Niger. Institution of ECOWAS no flight zone to all commercial flights to and fro Niger. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger.
“Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions. Freeze assets of Niger Republic in all ECOWAS Central banks. Freeze all Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions. Impose travel bans on the military officials and their families involved in the coup attempt including anyone who accepts to take a position in the military government.”
[Leadership]
One of the interesting stories in the Bible is that of Moses and the people of Israel. According to Deuteronomy 32:52, God told Moses that he would see the land of promise but never be part of it. “For you shall see the land opposite you from a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving to the children of Israel.”
This rings true for some Nigerian politicians who saw the glorious moment ahead, got prepared for it, but as the saying: “Man proposes, God disposes”, none of them enjoyed the moment. Call if fate, destiny, misfortune and you may be right. In this piece, we will highlight some politicians in this category.
MARYAM SHETTY
Maryam Shettima, popularly known as Maryam Shetty, was among the second batch of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees.
A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, she graduated from Bayero University, Kano, where she studied Physiotherapy. She also has an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy from the University of East London.
Outrage trailed her nomination as some persons, especially on Facebook where she has over 240,000 followers, accused her appointment as being a result of her relationship with some prominent members in the government.
Days after the outrage, the president replaced her with Dr Mairiya Mahmud from Kano. The nominee had arrived at the National Assembly for what she thought was going to be her screening. Accompanied by some associates, the dropped nominee drove into the National Assembly Complex in a black SUV. She later left the parliament apparently disappointed.
MUKHTAR SHEHU IDRIS
Idris, APC gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Zamfara State in 2019. He had polled 67.41% of the total popular votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Bello Matawalle who got 23.89% of the total votes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared him winner of the exercise and plans were in top gear for the D-day when the Supreme Court nullified the elections of all the candidates of the APC in the polls.
The five-man panel led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, the apex court declared the first runners-up in the 2019 general elections in the state as the winners of all the posts earlier declared to have been won by the APC and its candidates.
The apex court, in its verdict, upheld the judgment of the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal to the effect that the APC did not conduct any valid primary election and as such had no candidates for any of the elections in the state.
The court said the votes polled by the APC candidates in the elections were wasted, adding that the party and the candidates with the second highest votes and the spread in the various elections were the valid winners.
With the judgment, the APC lost the governorship, national and state Assemblies elections conducted in Zamfara State to the opposition PDP.
DAVID LYON
In February 2020, the Supreme court sacked David Lyon less than 24 hours before his inauguration as governor of Bayelsa state. Lyon, candidate of the APC, was declared winner of the governorship election in the state in November 2019.
A panel of justices led by Mary Odili asked the INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Lyon and to re-issue another to the candidate with the second highest number of votes.
The decision of the apex court was in affirmation of the verdict of a federal high court disqualifying Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, Lyon’s running mate, for submitting forged credentials to INEC.
The supreme court held that the action of Degi-Eremienyo affected Lyon because both men ran on a joint ticket.
ABUBAKAR AUDU
In 2015, Abubakar Audu of the APC was leading then incumbent governor, Idris Wada of the PDP, by 41,353 votes. There was celebration in the APC camp as it was clear that Audu was coasting to victory, but while the results of the election were being collated, news filtered in that Audu had died. This created confusion and plunged the APC into crisis.
INEC, however, declared the election inconclusive as possible votes from the 91 canceled polling units (49,953) is higher than the margin between the two leading candidates.
Audu would have emerged winner after elections were held in the 91 polling units as the PDP candidate would have needed 100 per cent turnout and about all the votes for his party to emerge victor.
Eventually, Yahaya Bello was selected as his replacement was sworn in the next year.
BASHIR SHERRIF MACHINA
Machina won unopposed during the APC senatorial primary in Yobe North in May 2022. Ex-Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who had been representing the constituency in the upper legislative chamber since 2003, had missed the primary because he was involved in the race for the ruling party’s presidential ticket.
Machina was reportedly asked to step down for Lawan but he insisted that he was the rightful candidate.
Amid the controversy, the APC submitted the senate president’s name to INEC as the candidate for Yobe North. The electoral commission subsequently refused to list any candidate for the district, citing the Electoral Act that a candidate could not contest primaries for different offices.
Machina had instituted a suit asking the court to declare him as the authentic senatorial candidate.
In September 2022, a federal high court in Damaturu, the Yobe capital, ordered the APC and INEC to recognise Machina as the candidate.
A month later, an Abuja court of appeal affirmed Machina’s election as the candidate of the APC for the Yobe north senatorial district.
Still not satisfied, the APC appealed the appellate court’s judgment.
The supreme court eventually affirmed Lawan as the ruling party’s senatorial candidate for district, fetching him not just the ticket but also the seat as Yobe is an APC stronghold. Had Machina won the battle with Lawan, he probably would have made it to the senate, where his opponent in the primary now represents the constituency.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared daily nationwide protests and picketing of federal health institutions.
In a notice issued on Saturday, the association which is currently on a nationwide indefinite strike said the protest will commence on Wednesday, 9th August at 10:00am.
The notice was issued after its National Executive Council (E-NEC) virtual meeting on Saturday and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health.
It was signed by the President of the association, Dr Orji, Emeka Innocent , and the Secretary General, Dr Chikezie, Kelechi.
The notice read in part,
“We wish to bring to your notice, of the decision of the National Executive Council of NARD to embark on a daily peaceful protests and picketing of the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, as well as all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, with
effect from Wednesday, 9th August 2023.”
NARD said the move became necessary to press home their demands which have been largely neglected by the parent ministry and the federal government.
It said, “We are pained that rather than make genuine and concerted efforts to resolve the challenges that led to the industrial action despite repeated ultimatums, our parent ministry and the federal government have chosen to demonize Nigerian resident doctors instead, after all their sacrifices and patriotism. ”
The association said it therefore resolved that it is time the whole world hears its side of the story on the decay and corruption in the health sector as well as the neglect the public health institutions have suffered all these years that led to repeated industrial actions.
“We believe that the government still has time to genuinely address the issues at stake before Wednesday, 9th August 2023, or leave us with no other option. Accept the assurances of our esteemed regards as always,” it said in the notice.
The federal government had three days ago slammed a ‘No work, No pay policy’ against the striking resident doctors.
The Federal Ministry of Health in a letter signed by the Director Hospital Services, Dr Andrew Noah, directed Chief Medical Directors and medical directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to maintain an attendance register of all residents willing to work and furnish the Ministry of such names on a monthly basis.
The ultimatum issued to Niger Republic military leaders to restore sacked President Mohamed Bazoum to power expires tomorrow raising fears of war between Niger’s military and those of neighbouring countries.
ECOWAS defence chiefs on Friday said all is set for a military intervention in Niger Republic even as they harped on a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions in addressing the situation.
The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of ECOWAS countries made this known at the end of their three-day Extra Ordinary Meeting in Abuja.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, while speaking on the outcome of the meeting commended the military chiefs for taking time to produce a concept of operation for an eventual military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Musah said that all the elements that would go into any intervention had been worked out and were being refined, including the timing, resources needed and how, where and when to deploy such force.
He said that ECOWAS being a rule-based institution was determined to put an end to the military coup contagion in the region.
“But first, we are giving diplomacy every chance to succeed and there have been multiple approaches to the military Junta in Niger.
“The results of whatever has been achieved here will be presented very soon to the Heads of Central Government who will have the last say as to what we are going to do with regard to the situation in the Republic of Niger, provided that all diplomatic overtures do not yield result.
“So I want to, through this medium also appeal to the military in Niger to give peace a chance, and then think about their populations and do the right thing by immediately restoring constitutional order in their country.
“That is our message to them and if they don’t, then we will make them hand over to civilian authorities and that is the determination of ECOWAS and we want to send that message clearly across to all of them,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said that Nigeria was committed to restoring democracy in Niger, but said military option would be the last resort.
“Military option is the last option but the President has directed us, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to come together with other ECOWAS members,” he said.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and President of the committee, General Christopher Musa, had commended ECOWAS for standing firm for democracy, adding that the militaries of the member countries were firmly in support of their stand.
He said that the committee collectively recognised the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well coordinated response.
Musa added that they also examined the immediate implication of the coup and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region.
“We have also deliberated on the broader implication for democracy, peace and stability in West Africa and pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.
“We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions.
“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.
“Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain,” he said.
Musa said the military chiefs agreed that there was no alternative democratic principles and rule of law in the region, adding that the coup in Niger represented blatant disregard for the fundamental principles that underpin regional integration and stability.
“We must condemn such action and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy,” he said, adding that regional security architecture should be strengthened to enhance collective response to security challenges.
According him, the meeting recognised the fact that the coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the region.
“We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises and capacity building initiative among our defence and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability.
“We must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders.
“Dialogue and negotiations should be at the forefront of our approach in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
“We must engage the tranditional authorities, civil society, organisation and all the key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process,” he said.
The CDS said the meeting urged member states to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and translate them into tangible actions for quick solutions to the situation in Niger.
“Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and ensure that the Republic of Niger and the entire region can progress on the path of democracy, peace, and stability.
“I urge you all to prioritise the implementation of recommendations that have been put forth during our deliberations.
“This requires a concerted effort and a sense of urgency. We must allocate the necessary resources, engage relevant stakeholders, and monitor progress to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on the ground,” he added.
Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote Devoir, Cape Verde and Benin while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent.
The Nigerian Customs also on Friday closed all borders with Niger Republic.
Tinubu writes Senate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday informed the senate of the proposed military operation by ECOWAS against the military government in Niger Republic.
The letter was read by the president of the senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu in the letter addressed to the Senate entitled: “Political situation in Niger,” informed the senate of the far reaching resolutions of leaders of the West African subregion , particularly the involvement of Nigeria which include, “military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”
The letter reads in part: “Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its president, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government. In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.
“1. Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling excercise.
“2. Cutting off electricity supply to Niger Republic
“3. Mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique
“4. Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic
“5. Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports
“6. Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians on the imperative of these actions particularly via social media
“Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”
Raising a Point of Order, Senator Abdul Ningi cited Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution and urged the Senate to be properly guided by the provision.
The provisions cited by Senator Ningi reads in part:”
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger:
“Provided that the president shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the senate and the senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days.”
In his response, the President of the Senate said his colleagues observation “is noted.”
There was no debate of the letter.
Niger cuts ties with France
The new military junta, led by former presidential guard commander, Abdourahamane Tiani, has revoked military cooperation pacts with former colonial power, France, as neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso did after their coups.
Paris shrugged that off, saying on Friday that though it had seen the statement by “some Nigerien army men”, it only recognised legitimate authorities. French officials also said that Niger’s ambassador to Paris was still in place, after the junta said it had ended her post.
France has between 1,000-1,500 troops in Niger, supported by drones and warplanes, helping battle groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in the Sahel region. The United States, Germany and Italy also have troops stationed in Niger.
Detained at the presidential residence in Niger’s capital Niamey, Bazoum, 63, who was elected in 2021, said in his first remarks since the coup that he was a hostage and in need of U.S. and international help.
“If it (the coup) succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world,” he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece, backing ECOWAS’ economic and travel sanctions.
ECOWAS peace mission fails
The 15-member ECOWAS sent a delegation to Niamey on Thursday seeking an “amicable resolution”, but a source in the entourage said a meeting at the airport with the junta’s representatives yielded no breakthrough.
“All our efforts to meet with the leader of the junta failed,” the Nigerian presidential source said, adding they flew out in the early hours.
ECOWAS last week threatened to use force if Bazoum is not back in power by Sunday.
The junta has denounced outside interference and said it will resist any aggression. Tiani, 59, served as battalion commander for ECOWAS forces during conflicts in Ivory Coast in 2003, so he knows what such intervention missions involved.
Russia: interference in Niger by non-regional actors like U.S. is unlikely to help
Meanwhile, Russia, according to Reuters, said on Friday that any interference from non-regional powers such as the United States in Niger was unlikely to improve the situation there.
Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was responding to a question about a call from Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, for the United States and the entire international community to intervene to restore constitutional order in his country.
“It is unlikely that the intervention of non-regional forces is capable of changing the situation for the better,” Peskov told reporters.
“…We are monitoring the situation very closely, we are concerned about the tension in Niger, and we continue to favour a swift return to constitutional normality without endangering human lives,” he said.
Niger’s regional and Western partners, including former colonial power France and the United States, have imposed sweeping sanctions on Niger in an effort to pressure the coup leaders to restore constitutional order after Bazoum’s ouster – the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.
But junta leader Abdourahamane Tiani, the former head of Niger’s presidential guard, has said he will not back down.
Tiani has the support of fellow juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso and also of Russia’s private mercenary Wagner group, which has fighters in Mali and Central African Republic.
In a Washington Post opinion piece, President Bazoum wrote: “With an open invitation from the coup plotters and their regional allies, the entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine.”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, last week welcomed the coup in Niger, and said his forces were available to restore order.
Food prices soar after sanctions on coup-hit Niger
Reuters reported on Friday that shoppers in Niger’s coup-hit capital Niamey face soaring prices for basic foods since the military takeover triggered trade sanctions from West African neighbours.
At one rain-drenched market, customer Ibou Kane said a sack of rice had gone up by more than a third to around 15,000 CFA francs ($25) since the coup prompted the ECOWAS economic and political bloc to close borders and sever commercial ties.
«Frankly, I›ve felt it in my pocket. And right now … we›re all stocking up,» Kane said.
Coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani, who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, has said foreign pressure will make coming weeks and months difficult for all Nigeriens, and called for unity.
There was no obvious panic-buying at Yantala market, but vendors and shoppers were all feeling the pinch. Cooking oil, too, was up to 33,000 CFA a can from 22,000 a few days before.
Standing by deep tubs of grains, merchant Boubacar Salou said he supported the junta›s rallying call.
«We mustn›t create panic now. Because this affects us all … It›s up to us to show that we are Nigeriens and that we must help those around us, and above all help the new government,» he said.
The closure of borders by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) poses a particular threat to landlocked and impoverished Niger. Even before the coup, around 3.3 million of Niger›s 26 million people were facing acute food shortages as a hunger crisis grips parts of the region.
‘AUTOCRATIC JUNTA’
The Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights and Nigerien Association for Defence of Human Rights urged ECOWAS to reconsider to avoid worsening civilian hardships.
“We are deeply concerned about the consequences of these sanctions, especially their impacts on the supply of essential food products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, and electricity,” said Sita Adamou, head of the Niger group.
“These measures have already begun to affect the Nigerien population, who are regularly facing food and health difficulties.”
From detention in the presidential palace, Bazoum also weighed in, writing in a Washington Post opinion article that Niger faced chaos from the coup, by encouraging Islamist insurgents and pressuring the local economy.
“These measures (sanctions) are already demonstrating what a future would look like under an autocratic junta with no vision or reliable allies,” he wrote. “The price of rice rose by 40 percent between Sunday and Tuesday, and some neighbourhoods have begun to report shortages of goods and electricity.”
Exacerbating the squeeze, various Western nations have already cut aid to Niger, which relies on foreign assistance for 40% of its budget. And the regional central bank cancelled a planned 30 billion CFA bond issuance earlier this week
The Senate has advised President Bola Tinubu to engage in diplomacy in order to return Niger Republic to democratic rule and restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
The Red Chamber made the resolution after a four-hour closed-door session on Saturday to discuss the political development in the West African country.
The resolution of the upper legislative chamber followed an executive communication, which President Tinubu sought for the implementation of the resolution of ECOWAS on the political situation in Niger Republic.
The Red Chamber mandated its leadership to further engage with the President on behalf of the entire Senate to ensure how best to resolve the situation in the neighbouring country.
The Senate also called on the President as the Chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of the bloc to explore political and diplomatic options and other means with a view to resolving the impasse in Niger.
The Red Chamber, while condemning the Niger coup in totality, commended President Tinubu and other Heads of State of the other States of ECOWAS for their prompt response and the positions taken on the unfortunate development in Niger.
Reading the resolutions of the senators after the meeting, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that “The Senate recognises that President Tinubu via his correspondence has not asked for the approval of the parliament of this Senate to go to war as erroneously suggested in some quarters.
“Rather, Mr President has expressed a wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly in the successful implementation of the resolutions of the ECOWAS as outlined in the said communication.
“The Senate calls on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means intending to resolve the political compass in Niger Republic.
“The National Assembly to the ECOWAS under the leadership of President Tinubu in resolving the political situation in Niger and returning the country to democratic governance in the nearest future.
“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage with the president and commander in chief with on behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly on how best to resolve the issue given the hitherto existing cordial relationship between Nigeriens and Nigerians.
“Finally, the Senate calls on the ECOWAS parliament to rise to the occasion by equally condemning this coup and also positing solutions to resolving this compass as soon as possible.”
A ministerial nominee, Dr Bosun Tijani, on Saturday, apologised to the Senate over non-patriotic tweets he tweeted prior to his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District had quizzed the nominee when he appeared before the Senate for screening today.
“On the 21st of July 2019, Dr Bosun tweeted against Nigeria that he does not appreciate the Nigerian passport and Nigeria as a nation,” the Oyo Senator said after 46-year-old Tijani, tech advocate, read his profile to the lawmakers.
The lawmaker asked the nominee to clarify whether he still believes in Nigeria and the country’s passport.
Addressing the Senate, Tijani said he is very passionate about Nigeria and is committed to the country’s development. The nominee said he tweeted out of a frustrating experience with the Chinese Embassy.
“I tweeted in anger,” the ministerial nominee from Ogun admitted.
“I’m sorry,” he added.
Senator Ishaku Abbo representing Adamawa North Senatorial District defended Tijani saying that the nominee tweeted out of frustration and love for Nigeria.
Also, Senator Solomon Adeola from Ogun West Senatorial District defended the nominee from his state, saying his “youthful exuberance” and “shortcoming” should be forgiven.
In his remarks, the Senate President. Godswill Akpabio on behalf of the House accepted Tijani’s apology while asking him to take a bow and go
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Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, is turning up the heat on the military government that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger republic with a host of new sanctions and a letter to Nigeria’s Senate seeking approval for military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The letter was sent to the Nigerian Senate just as ECOWAS Defense chiefs were ending their strategy meeting on possible intervention in Niger.
But it appeared yesterday that the leadership of some countries in the region may be developing cold feet and are expressing a preference for a diplomatic solution.
According to a report by France24 quoting Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the defence chiefs after their meeting in Abuja, drew up a plan for a possible military intervention if coup leaders do not stand down.
“All the elements that will go into any eventual intervention have been worked out, including the resources needed, and including the how and when we are going to deploy the force,” said ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah.
ECOWAS will not divulge to the coup plotters when and where it will strike, however – a decision that will be taken by the heads of states, Musah added.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the end of the meeting, said the Coup d’etat in Niger Republic was a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of ECOWAS integration and stability.
General Musa who is the chairman, Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff (CCDS) ECOWAS, stated this at the close of a 3-day extraordinary meeting with his colleagues from the region on the political situation in Niger Republic.
He advised that dialogue and negotiation should be at the forefront of the regional body’s approach in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Present at the meeting were defence chiefs from Nigeria, Benin, Ghana,Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Cote D’Ivoire, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Guinea Bissau.
However, those conspicuously absent were defence chiefs from Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
General Musa said the committee recognised the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response.
He added that the discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.
“We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions. It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.”
He charged the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff to continue to serve as a platform for regular engagement, information sharing, and joint planning.
“We must leverage our collective expertise and resources to address emerging security challenges promptly.”
Security experts are however engaged in debate on the wisdom of a military intervention and whether the steps that are being taken by ECOWAS leaders are real or just a bluff”, he noted.
Prof Femi Badejo, a former lecturer at the University of Lagos and also one-time deputy special representative of the UN secretary general for Somalia believes a military intervention in Niger would be unprecedented for ECOWAS.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, he acknowledged humanitarian interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in which case, people moved in to save lives.
“But that is not what we are facing in Niger, where it is not a humanitarian problem.
“It is a political problem of wanting to restore the overthrown government of President Bazoum. It would be speculative on my part to say that ECOWAS would go ahead and intervene militarily because I don’t know if it is a bluff.
“What does it cost you to get Senate approval? What does it cost you to push in the media that there is a plan of attack? Not much. But I can’t say, only those who are close to policy. How many countries are interested and are going to show up and be counted on the battlefield?” He asked.
Speaking further, Prof. Badejo said, “I think that we should pursue diplomatic settlement because spilling of blood will not necessarily restore Bazoum to power. There is nothing that guarantees that he can come back in place with an attack. All those people who have been rounded up; they are at the mercy of the coup plotters. So, I don’t know what will be achieved at the end of the day.”
Dr Johnson Sandy, the chairperson for the Regional Center for Governance and Security Cluster and also the current the chairperson of the African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council, is convinced that a military intervention will take place because the international community, particularly the United States of America, will not let the coup in Niger stand.
He noted that the country, unlike Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad, is a regional base in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking from Sierra Leone, he said political stability in Niger matters to Nigeria and the rest of West Africa and Sahel now.
And on the other hand, political instability in Niger, he said, has implications for the global fight against international terrorism, violent extremism in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad Basin.
Dr. Sandy said, “President Bazoum -has he proved to be a strong ally in the fight against transnational organized crime and terrorism and global jihadist movements operating in the Sahel.
“France, USA, India, China, Germany etc, have deployed, for several years now, military stabilization forces – with extensive bases in Niger. It appears there is an increased level of trust and confidence by the West and ECOWAS in the strategic leadership in the 2 years of President Bozoum’s government.
“Regional analysis suggests that he has been an outstanding minister Defence and lately President – commander in chief of the Niger armed forces. Thus, with his leadership, a collective security approach in the fight against international terrorism has been successful in the last two year.”
The request by President Tinubu to the Senate however suffered a setback after some northern senators, led by Abdul Ningi cautioned against the use of force in Niger, saying they “take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic.
“The emphasis, however, should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the Niger Republic.
“We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states shared the border with the Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa. Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected,” spokesman of the group,” Sumaila Kawu added.
ECOWAS leaders gave Abdourahamane Tchiani a one-week ultimatum to return Bazoum back to power or face military action.
The one-week deadline comes to an end on Sunday.
Benin Republic and Senegal have however come out strongly in favour of a diplomatic solution, but maintain a position of support should ECOWAS seek to use force.
President Tinubu also informed the Senate that ECOWAS borders are now closed to Niger Republic following the seizure of power by the country’s military.
Tinubu informed the Senate about the cutting off of electricity supply to Niger, adding that more sanctions are underway.
The letter by Tinubu, which was read on the floor of the apex legislative chamber during plenary by the president of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the ECOWAS States will insist power returned to the democratically elected leaders of the country.
Aggrieved military junta had on July 26 toppled the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, and took over the leadership of the country. The soldiers were his guards.
President Tinubu who is also the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, had met with some other ECOWAS leaders on Sunday July 30 to discuss appropriate ways to restore democracy in Niger.
‘Devastating Consequences’
Detained at the presidential residence in Niger’s capital Niamey, Bazoum, a 63-year-old philosophy graduate elected in 2021, said in his first remarks since the coup that he was a hostage and in need of U.S. and international help.
“If it (the coup) succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world,” he wrote in a Washington Post opinion piece, backing ECOWAS’ economic and travel sanctions.
Russia, whose private mercenary Wagner group has cheered the coup, said on Friday any interference from non-regional powers such as the United States was unlikely to help and repeated its call for a return to constitutional rule.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner which has forces in Mali and the Central African Republic, last week said his forces were available to restore order in Niger.
The 15-member ECOWAS bloc sent a delegation to Niamey seeking an “amicable resolution”, but a source in the entourage said a meeting at the airport with the junta’s representatives yielded no breakthrough and they flew out in the early hours.
“All our efforts to meet with the leader of the junta failed. He rather sent five-member representatives to meet with us,” the Nigerian presidential source said.
“After the meeting that ended at midnight, they said they heard all we have said and that they will get back to us. We left Niamey immediately.”
The junta has denounced outside interference and said it will resist any aggression. Tiani served as battalion commander for ECOWAS forces during conflicts in Ivory Coast in 2003, so he knows what such intervention missions involve.
Support for him from fellow juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso also undermines West African unity over Niger.
The Niger junta has cited persistent insecurity as the main justification for seizing power, even though data on attacks shows security has actually been improving.
On Friday, they cut off diplomatic relations with Nigeria after peace talks initiated by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to resolve the ongoing crisis in the country appear to have failed.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military regime led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to avoid possible intervention by the bloc to restore democratic order in the beleaguered country.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu had sent a high-powered delegation led by Nigeria’s former head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar to the country to meet with the coup leaders on Thursday which only met with representatives of the junta.
Subsequently, Niger severed ties with Nigeria, Togo, France, its coloniser, and the United States.
“The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated,” Radio France International quoted one of the putschists as having said on national television.
The democratically elected president, Bazoum, who was toppled on July 26 has been held hostage by members of the Presidential Guard that overthrew him and subsequently Tchiani has been announced as the head of state.
Meanwhile, the US has thrown its weight behind the ECOWAS led by the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu to reinstate Bazoum.
In a statement by the White House on Thursday, US President, Joe Biden called for the immediate release of Bazoum.
Biden said that freeing Bazoum from detention is imperative for fundamental democratic values, and standing up for constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, which are foundation to the partnership between Niger and the US.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
“The United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” he said in the statement.
Customs To Ensure Border Closure Compliance
Meanwhile, the acting Comptroller General of Custom (CG), Bashir Adeniyi, has expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance at the Illela border in Sokoto state, between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Addressing residents of the community while monitoring the level of compliance in accordance to the sanction imposed by ECOWAS on the military junta that ousted President Mohammed BAzoum on Friday, the acting CG assured that the closure was for a temporary period.
He said, “The decision to close the border was reached to avert any crisis that may arise in the country due to what is happening in Niger Republic over change of leadership.
“The decision was as a result of the commitment of ECOWAS to promote unity among the ECOWAS nation. Mr President is an apostle of regional trade and as the current chairman of ECOWAS, it is his duty to promote regional trade within the ECOWAS region.”
[Leadership]
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has regretted the impending exit of British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline from Nigeria after 51 years.
This follows the company’s announcement of plans to end its prescription medicines and vaccine production in the country.
The PUNCH reports that the multinational pharmaceutical company said it would transition to a third-party direct distribution model for its pharmaceutical products.
Reacting to the development in a tweet on Friday night, Obi said that the company’s reason for leaving Nigeria is even more disheartening as they no longer perceive a prospect for the country as a business environment that would be anchored on productivity.
According to him, these are some of the consequences of the cumulative poor management of our economy.
“As a result, millions are losing their jobs and our poverty index is worsening, even though we’re already being perceived as the world’s poverty capital,” the post read in part.
He further wrote, “The multinationals that are leaving our country have not only created jobs but have created immeasurable training that contributed immensely to our human capital development over the years.
“Now they are leaving our shores one after the other. GSK which has a manufacturing facility in Agbara, Ogun State on over 25 hectares of land had directly employed over 400 highly technical workers like pharmacists, microbiologists, biochemists, chemists, dentists, doctors etc, and also employed over 1000 other staff.
“It indirectly provided jobs and business opportunities for thousands of Nigerians across the nation. They are now leaving all these behind, and pushing more people back into unemployment.
“I have consistently maintained that in turning our nation around, we must move the economy from consumption to production, part of which included encouraging and supporting local and foreign investments, like GSK, in the country.
“The creation of an environment that creates and sustains multinationals to invest in our country is key to our dream of greatness. In the new Nigeria that we seek to create, the emphasis on production will encourage investors to stay and expand on our shores.”
GlaxoSmithKline was incorporated in Nigeria in June 1971 and commenced business the following year.
[Punch]
Niger's military junta on Friday severed diplomatic relations with four countries, including its southern neighbor Nigeria, which earlier in the morning disconnected electricity export to the country following its delegation's failure to meet the coup leader.
“The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger to France, Nigeria, Togo, and the United States are terminated,” a spokesperson for Niger’s coup leader, Col Maj. Amadou Abdramane, announced in a broadcast televised by local media.
Nigeria shut off its electricity supply to Niger on Friday, sending parts of the country into darkness. Niger buys 70% of its power from the Nigerian Electricity Company.
On Thursday, Niger's coup leaders denied access to a Nigerian delegation sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the country. Former Nigerian military head of state Gen Abubakar Abdulsalami led the delegation.
Nigeria's president, who also serves as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for military action against the Niger mutineers and the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Ambassador Francisca Omayuli, spokesman for the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, did not immediately respond to Anadolu's request for the country's reaction to the current diplomatic standoff following the Niger decision.
However, a senior constitutional lawyer Onyeama Okei urged the Nigerian government to recall its ambassador and other staff at the embassy in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
He did, however, advise the Nigerian government to let the people of Niger deal with their internal problems.
"Nigerians cannot cry more than the people of Niger. While we work to ensure that democracy thrives in African countries, we must recognize citizens' right to select what they want," he told Anadolu.
On July 26, a group of soldiers calling themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CNSP) delivered a statement on Nigerien state television shortly after detaining Bazoum, saying they took the step due to the "deteriorating security situation and bad governance."
Bazoum was elected in 2021 in Niger’s first democratic power transition since it gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
[yenisafak]
West African defense chiefs have drawn up a plan for possible military intervention to restore democratic rule in Niger, an official said Friday, as a seven-day deadline given to coup leaders to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum drew closer.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at an emergency meeting last Sunday in Nigeria in the aftermath of the coup ordered the military leaders to reinstate President Bazoum within one week or it would “take all measures,” including the “use of force,” to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Speaking at the close of a three-day meeting of defense chiefs in the Nigerian capital Abuja, Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said that all the modalities have been worked out, although a diplomatic option remains on the table.
“All the elements that would go into any intervention have been worked out, including the timing, resources needed and how and when to deploy such force,” he said.
“Whatever has been achieved here will be presented very soon to the heads of state who will have the final say as to what we are going to do with regard to the situation in the Republic of Niger.”
In 2017, ECOWAS used military force to restore constitutional order in Gambia when Yahya Jammeh refused to cede power after losing an election.
Musah made a fresh appeal to the coup leaders in Niger to give peace a chance by immediately restoring constitutional order in their country.
Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin have all expressed their resolve to send troops into Niger if ECOWAS endorses the decision.
Ibrahim Kana, Nigeria’s Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary, said that Nigeria remained committed to restoring democracy in Niger, but the diplomatic approach is seen as the best option.
On Wednesday, coup leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani sounded defiant, saying the junta would “not give in to threats” to restore the deposed President Bazoum and “refuses any interference in the internal affairs of Niger.”
Bazoum was detained by members of the Presidential Guard on July 26, and that evening, the military announced that it had seized power.
Two days later, Gen. Tchiani, the commander of Niger's presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government.
[https://www.aa.com.tr/]