French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the release of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, who was detained in a military coup on July 26, 2023. Macron also urged a return to democratic order in Niger and expressed concern about the coup’s impact on the fight against terrorism in the region.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, along with France and the European Union, suspended cooperation and aid to Niger following the coup. The United States also warned that its aid could be at risk. ECOWAS has ordered the activation of a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Macron highlighted the importance of France’s anti-terror operations in West Africa, stating that French involvement had prevented the establishment of extremist groups near France’s borders. However, he emphasized that if counterterrorism efforts were not a priority for the new rulers after a coup, France might reconsider its engagement.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu received a delegation of Islamic Ulamas (scholars) who visited him to discuss the crisis in Niger. The Ulamas were engaged in dialogue with the military junta in Niger, and President Tinubu encouraged them to continue their efforts.
The UK’s minister of state for the armed forces, James Heappey, acknowledged Nigeria’s diplomatic mediation efforts to peacefully restore democracy in Niger and expressed recognition for those efforts.
The situation in Niger remains complex, with international actors and regional organizations working to resolve the crisis and restore democratic governance.