Niger Republic Cuts Off Ties with Nigeria as ECOWAS' Negotiations Fail

 

Niger Republic, under the regime of Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has severed ties with Nigeria following unsuccessful attempts by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to negotiate a return to civilian rule. President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to meet with the coup leaders in Niger, but they only met with representatives of the junta.

In response to the situation, Niger's junta announced the termination of military agreements and protocols signed with France, also ending the functions of Niger's ambassadors to France, the United States, Togo, and neighboring Nigeria, the latter of which is leading ECOWAS efforts on dialogue.

During a national broadcast on Thursday, the Spokesperson for Niger's coup leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, stated, "All aggression or attempt at aggression against the state of Niger will see an immediate response and without warning."

In response to ECOWAS' ultimatum, which demanded the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum within seven days to avoid potential clashes with the junta, Bazoum published a plea in a Washington Post opinion piece, expressing his status as a hostage and urging the U.S. and its partners for help.

Meanwhile, European countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Niger, while Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea expressed support for the coup. The military takeover occurred in July after armed troops blockaded the presidential palace in Niamey.

Written by: Kelvin Ako