Is ECOWAS exerting pressure on the Niger military at the behest of Western powers?
Since the military in Niger overthrew the government of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, the Economic Community of West African States has been in the news.
But street protests in Niger, where hundreds of people attacked the French embassy on July 30, created an impression that coup leaders are standing up to Western powers, including the United States, and enjoy wide support. However, this doesn’t mean that the two sides have thrown down the gauntlet. As Vines points out, Tchiani, the head of the powerful presidential guard force, has softened his position, as evident by Thursday night’s statement that the military aims to hold elections quickly.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin hosted African leaders for a summit where he announced free grain exports to six poor countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali. “Unfortunately, one of the things at which Russia has been really successful is stirring up the pot through trolling and fake news,” says Vines.
Niger, a landlocked country of 26 million, is a former French colony which is home to over 200 ethnic groups. Vines says the Niger coup has more to do with internal political dynamics.
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