Tinubu asks for Nigerian Senate support to Enforce Sanctions on Niger Junta

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has asked the Senate to support a regional military intervention in Niger, where a coup removed the elected government last week. Tinubu, who is also the current chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), wants to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger, which has refused to restore democracy. ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and given the coup leaders a week to hand over power or face possible armed action. Nigeria, the largest army in West Africa, is expected to lead any intervention force in Niger. The coup in Niger has been condemned by Western countries, which see Niger as a critical partner in fighting armed groups in the Sahel region.

The international community has responded to the crisis in Niger with strong condemnation and pressure on the coup leaders to restore democracy. Some of the main reactions are:

The United Nations (UN) denounced any attempt to seize power by force and called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohamed Bazoum and other detained officials.

ECOWAS, a regional bloc of 15 West African countries, has been the most vocal and active in trying to resolve the situation in Niger. ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including travel bans and asset freezes on the coup leaders, and given them a week to hand over power or face possible armed intervention. ECOWAS has also sent a high-level delegation to Niger to mediate between the junta and the opposition parties.

The European Union (EU) suspended all security cooperation and financial support to Niger and warned that the coup would have consequences for the partnership and cooperation between the EU and Niger.

France, Niger’s former colonial power and a key ally in the fight against terrorism in the region, also cut off financial support and called for the immediate return to the constitutional order. France said it would support regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), if they decided to impose sanctions or take military action against Niger.

The United States (US) expressed its deep concern over the coup and urged all parties to respect the rule of law and human rights. The US also called for a swift return to civilian-led government and a peaceful resolution of the crisis1.

The international response to the coup in Niger shows that the country is not isolated from the rest of the world, and that its stability is important for regional and global security. Niger is a key partner in combating armed groups in the Sahel region, which has been plagued by violence, poverty, and climate change. The coup has also raised concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in Niger, which had been praised for its peaceful transition of power earlier this year. The international community hopes that the crisis can be resolved peacefully and quickly, without further bloodshed or chaos.