West African countries prepare to send troops into Niger, Russia wants to mediate

The ECOWAS bloc decided on Thursday to set up a special military force to restore the old civilian government in Niger and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Russia is preparing to send troops to Niger to help resolve the situation. — Niger security forces disperse pro- military protesters outside the French Embassy in Niamey, Niger on July 30. Photo: Reuters

Hours earlier, two Western officials told the Associated Press that Niger's military government had threatened to kill Mr. Bazoum if neighboring countries intervened in the country.

While preparations are underway, it is unclear when and where the ECOWAS force will be deployed. However, conflict experts say it could include around 5,000 Nigerian-led troops and could be ready within weeks.

After the ECOWAS meeting, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said his country would also take part in the military operation, along with Nigeria and Benin.

"Ivory Coast will provide the battalion and has arranged all the finances... We are determined to help Bazoum return to his position. Our goal is peace and stability in the sub-region. This is our mission," Mr. Ouattara said on state television.

France and the United States, along with the African Union, have officially voiced their support for ECOWAS's military intervention plan. Currently, the two powers, which have close ties with the former government, have about 2,500 military personnel in Niger.

The coup group, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, claims it can do a better job than Mr Bazoum's government in protecting the country from terrorist violence and is enjoying public support.

Many residents of the capital Niamey said on Friday that ECOWAS had nothing to do with what was happening and should not take the risk. "It's our job, not theirs. They don't even know why there's a coup in Niger," said Achirou Harouna Albassi, a resident.

Hundreds of people marched towards the French military base in Niamey on Friday, shouting “Down with France”. Many were young, including children, all chanting that the French should go.

Russia is preparing to send troops to Niger to help with the peace process. — Nigeriens often wave Russian flags and denounce France during recent pro-military protests. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, Russia said on Friday it wanted to resolve the Niger crisis through mediation.

"Russia supports ECOWAS' mediation efforts to find a way out of the current crisis," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that it was closely monitoring the situation in Niger.

The ministry also said that a military intervention could lead to a "protracted confrontation" in Niger and destabilize the Sahara-Sahel region.

On Thursday, the military government in Niger also announced a new government, appointing Ali Lamine Zeine as interim prime minister with a 21-member cabinet, after carrying out a coup on July 26.

Huy Hoang (according to AP, CBC, France24)

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