Military Junta in Niger Names New Ministers and Bars International Mediators
NIAMEY, Niger – The military junta that seized power in Niger two weeks ago has named new ministers and barred most international mediators from the country, in what analysts described as an attempt to consolidate power in the face of international pressure.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which previously threatened to use military force to reinstate the democratically elected government, is expected to meet again Thursday to discuss the situation.
The junta refused to admit mediation teams that were meant to arrive Tuesday, sent by the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS. The junta cited “evident reasons of security in this atmosphere of menace,” according to a letter seen by The Associated Press.
ECOWAS set a deadline of Sunday for Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, a deadline that the junta ignored and which passed without action from the bloc.
In a statement Tuesday, ECOWAS said it was trying to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and will continue to “deploy all necessary measures to ensure the return to constitutional order.”
The military leaders chose civilian economist Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as prime minister. Zeine is a former minister of economy and finance who left office after his government was ousted by a previous military coup in 2010, and later worked at the African Development Bank.
“The establishment of a government is significant, and signals at least to the population, that they have a plan in place, with support from across the government,” said Aneliese Bernard, a former U.S. State Department official who specialized in African affairs and who is now director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, a risk advisory group.
Mutinous soldiers detained Bazoum and seized power on July 26, claiming they could do a better job at protecting the nation from jihadi violence. Groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have ravaged the Sahel region, a vast expanse south of the Sahara Desert.
But most analysts and diplomats say that reason doesn’t hold weight and that the takeover was the result of a power struggle between the president and the head of his presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who now says he runs the country.
The coup comes as a blow to many countries in the West, which saw Niger as one of the last democratic partners in the region they could work with to beat back the extremist threat. It’s also an important supplier of uranium.
Niger’s partners have threatened to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in military assistance if it does not return to constitutional rule.
While the crisis drags on, Niger’s some 25 million people are bearing the brunt. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world, and many Nigeriens live hand to mouth and say they’re too focused on finding food for their families to pay much attention to the escalating crisis.
Harsh economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS since the coup have caused food prices to rise by up to 5%, say traders. Erkmann Tchibozo, a shop owner from neighboring Benin who works in Niger’s capital, Niamey, said it’s been hard to get anything into the country to stock his shop near the airport.
“If it continues like this, the situation is going to become very difficult,” he said.
Niamey appeared more tense on Tuesday, with security forces checking vehicles. This week,
What are the potential implications of the junta’s refusal to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum for the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger
Rt from some key sectors. However, the decision to exclude international mediators and the refusal to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum raises concerns about the junta’s intentions and its commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The junta’s move to name new ministers and create a government is seen as an effort to consolidate its power and legitimize its rule. By appointing civilian economist Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as prime minister, the junta is trying to present itself as a transitional government with civilian representation. However, Zeine’s past association with a previous military coup raises doubts about his independence and credibility.
The decision to bar international mediators, including teams from the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS, raises concerns about the junta’s willingness to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution. The junta cited security concerns as the reason for excluding the mediators, but it is likely a tactic to avoid international pressure and scrutiny.
ECOWAS, which had previously threatened military force to reinstate the democratically elected government, is expected to meet again to discuss the situation. The regional bloc has set a deadline for Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, a deadline that the junta ignored. ECOWAS has stated that it will continue to seek a peaceful solution and “deploy all necessary measures to ensure the return to constitutional order.”
The situation in Niger remains uncertain, with growing concerns about the junta’s intentions and the potential for further unrest. International pressure, especially from regional actors like ECOWAS, will be crucial in resolving the crisis and restoring democratic governance in the country.
It seems like the military junta is determined to maintain control and reject outside intervention.
I hope this decision doesn’t lead to further instability in the country.