WASHINGTON D.C, USA — The United States has issued a stark warning to the military rulers in Niger: return to constitutional order or risk potential American military intervention.
This warning was relayed by Victoria Nuland, the US Acting Deputy Secretary, during a special teleconference briefing on Niger on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Nuland expressed concerns over the volatile governance situation in the African nation and emphasized the importance of upcoming regional meetings and international consultations.
While the US hopes for a diplomatic resolution, the Deputy Secretary made it clear that the US is fully aware of its legal responsibilities and is prepared to take necessary action if the Niger junta does not heed their warnings.
The message to the Nigerien military leadership was concise: the US wishes to work together to solve the crisis diplomatically and revert to constitutional order, but they will act if pushed to the brink.
Nuland highlighted the active involvement of President Joe Biden in the situation.
He has been communicating consistently with Nigeria’s President Tinubu, who is the current ECOWAS Chairman, AU Chairperson Faki, and several European allies closely associated with Niger, particularly in counterterrorism initiatives.
She reiterated the shared values that bind these nations, emphasizing democracy’s central role, which makes the current constitutional challenges in Niger that commenced on July 26, 2023, all the more troubling.
This development underscores the international community’s concern over Niger’s political instability and its potential ramifications for the broader West African region.
No Transit: Nigerian Customs Enforces ECOWAS Sanctions at Niger Republic Border
The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to halt all transit cargoes destined for Niger Republic from all land borders and seaports across the country, stepping up efforts to enforce sanctions issued by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, following a coup in the landlocked nation.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, issued the directive during a visit to the Ogun 1 Command of the NCS in Idiroko, Ogun State.
The move follows ECOWAS’s imposition of sanctions against Niger Republic, including a border closure, after the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum’s ousting by the country’s presidential guards.
“We are monitoring what’s happening in Niger Republic and I can assure you that implementation of that directive given by the ECOWAS Heads of States is 100 percent,” Adeniyi said. “Smugglers will want to explore openings in other borders, and may want to use other routes. All transit goods heading for Niger Republic should be stopped.”
Adeniyi further emphasized the need for vigilance, cooperation with other government agencies, and adherence to the mission of national and regional security.
The Acting Comptroller General also addressed a myriad of issues affecting border communities, pledging to consider policy changes if the compliance level of these communities increases.
He revealed plans to recommend a review of the policy ban on supplying fuel to filling stations within 20 kilometers of the nation’s borders following the removal of fuel subsidy.
This, he clarified, would be contingent on the border communities’ adherence to existing laws regarding import and export.
In his address to the officers, Adeniyi stressed the importance of their role in ensuring national and regional security and urged them to redouble their efforts to prevent illicit activities that threaten public safety.
He acknowledged the evolving dynamics of crime, noting the interconnected nature of smuggling, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.
Adeniyi also sought the support of the border communities in performing their duties, advocating for a quarterly meeting between the Ogun border command and members of the Ipokia host communities to foster a positive working relationship.
Furthermore, the Customs chief pledged to consider graduates from the border communities in future NCS recruitment, signaling a new direction in strengthening local relationships and boosting the agency’s overall effectiveness.
