Following the unsuccessful attempts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mediate and resolve the ongoing standoff, the leaders of Niger’s coup have decided to sever diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
ECOWAS had set a seven-day deadline for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum in an effort to prevent a potential confrontation with the coup leaders.
In response, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger in an attempt to engage with the coup leaders. The delegation, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), however, only managed to meet with representatives of the junta.
Consequently, Niger has taken the decision to cut off diplomatic relations with not only Nigeria but also Togo, France (its former colonizer), 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 to have said on national television.
On July 26th, President Bazoum of Niger was taken into custody by members of the Presidential Guard, and later that same evening, the military officially announced their seizure of power.
Just two days after overthrowing Bazoum’s government, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, proclaimed himself as the leader of a transitional government.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed support for ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, in its efforts to reinstate Bazoum.
In a statement released by the White House on Thursday, US President Joe Biden urged for the immediate release of Bazoum. Biden emphasized that this release is crucial to upholding fundamental democratic principles and to maintaining the partnership between Niger and the US, which is built upon constitutional order, justice, and the right to peaceful assembly.
“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.
