Junta threatens to kill Bazoum; ECOWAS troops on standby
The safety of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum hangs in the balance, following a menacing warning from the junta that ousted his government. Having seized power, the junta has allegedly declared intentions to end Bazoum's life if the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiates a military intervention to restore democracy in the nation.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the junta disclosed this chilling plot to a senior United States diplomat, a revelation confirmed by two Western officials speaking to the Associated Press on Thursday.
This alarming threat emerged in the wake of ECOWAS's resolution to deploy troops to Niger, prompted by the military leadership's refusal to reinstate democratic governance despite sanctions imposed by the regional body. The escalating tension was made even more apparent by a visit from US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland to the country on Monday, during which junta representatives reportedly conveyed the peril to Bazoum. An anonymous Western military official confirmed this account, echoed by an undisclosed US official.
Bazoum, removed from power on July 26, remains confined within his residence, essentially a hostage to the unfolding situation.
ECOWAS held a gathering of Heads of States and Government in Abuja in response to these developments on Thursday. President Omar Touray announced that the bloc had mandated the deployment of a "standby force" to reestablish democratic order in Niger post-coup. However, no specific details were provided regarding the composition, location, or proposed timeline for the military intervention force. President Touray did affirm that financing had been addressed and preparations had been made.
At the conclusion of the summit, Touray conveyed ECOWAS's resolutions regarding the Nigerien military junta. He implored the African Union, partner nations, and institutions to endorse ECOWAS's decision. The organization noted that all attempts to engage in dialogue with the junta had been rebuffed, denouncing the ongoing detention of Bazoum and his family.
ECOWAS's decision was rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of the situation, which encompassed the President of the ECOWAS Commission's memorandum, the organization's engagement since the prior extraordinary summit, envoy reports, and recommendations from the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff. The authority also thoroughly discussed the evolving situation in Niger since the previous summit held on July 30. It highlighted the junta's steadfast rejection of diplomatic efforts and the unheeded one-week ultimatum to reinstate constitutional order.
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