NIAMEY, Niger — As tensions rise in Niger following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, locals on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, have initiated a call for mass volunteer recruitment to aid the army, in anticipation of further sanctions and potential military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
A Niamey group spearheads the campaign, aiming to enroll thousands of volunteers nationwide.
The aim is not just for combat roles but also to provide medical, technical, and engineering support should the junta need it.
The West African bloc, ECOWAS, continues to press for the reinstatement of President Bazoum, hinting at tighter sanctions and even military action if the junta remains defiant.
Amid this political quagmire, the Sahel Alliance, an international platform comprising Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, has clamored for the immediate release of the ousted President.
German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, emphasized the importance of peace, human rights, and institutional stability for socio-economic development.
Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the prime minister appointed by the junta, recently visited neighboring Chad.
This visit occurred as rumors spread that ECOWAS military leaders would discuss intervention options.
The military intervention scenario, however, is fraught with complexities, given internal ECOWAS divisions and the broader instability in the Sahel.
The bloc has previously intervened six times in its member states since 1990.
In a related development, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has indicated willingness to deepen ties with countries opposing Western influence, further complicating the geopolitical situation.
The Russian leader’s outreach to Mali and Burkina Faso post-coup indicates a broader strategy to expand Russia’s footprint in the Sahel.
Despite escalating regional tensions, both Niger’s junta and ECOWAS have expressed intentions for a peaceful resolution.
However, the junta’s recent decision to charge Bazoum with “high treason” and the recall of its ambassador from Ivory Coast have added further uncertainties to the mix.
The U.S., without an ambassador in Niger for almost two years, finds itself in a quandary.
While the nation has historically championed democratic principles, engaging with the junta might be crucial to counterbalance Russia’s influence.
As Niger’s political landscape remains volatile, regional and global powers continue to recalibrate their strategies, making the Sahel a focal point of geopolitical maneuvering.
