🗞️Senegal Backs ECOWAS Intervention, Nigerian Senators Reject Military Action in Niger Crisis

As the political crisis in Niger escalates, Senegal has emerged as a key player, offering its support to an ECOWAS military intervention in the country. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic has been rejected by the Senate, which instead urged for intensified diplomatic negotiations with the coup leaders.

Senegal’s Foreign Minister, in a press conference held in Dakar, expressed strong backing for an ECOWAS military intervention in Niger, labeling the power grab in Niamey as “one coup too many.” This comes in the wake of ECOWAS’s warning to the coup leaders to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum within seven days or face possible military action to restore “constitutional normality.”

but then, back in Nigeria, senators held an executive session where they vehemently rejected President Tinubu’s request for military involvement in Niger. Almost all senators spoke against military action, citing various factors, including Nigeria’s ill-equipped military, the fragile peace within Nigeria itself, and Niger’s status as the highest arms market in Africa. Instead, the senators urged for stronger diplomatic efforts, proposing that prominent statesmen like Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau, and Abdulsalam Abubakar be sent as special envoys to initiate dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution.

The rejection of military action by Nigerian senators reflects the complexity of the situation in Niger, which has been met with mixed international reactions. The World Bank has suspended funds, except those for private sector partnerships, in response to the coup. Several countries have also urged their citizens to leave Niger, and the United States ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy.

In the midst of the crisis, Niger’s coup generals have reportedly sought help from the Russian mercenary group Wagner. During a visit to neighboring Mali, a coup leader, General Salifou Mody, made contact with Wagner representatives, signaling their interest in retaining power. ECOWAS members have finalized an intervention plan, and the situation remains tense as the deadline for President Bazoum’s reinstatement approaches.

In Angola, a developing story unfolds, where thousands of people rallied to call for President Joao Lourenco’s resignation. The demonstration, organized by UNITA, expressed discontent with the government’s handling of poverty, corruption, and economic challenges. The opposition party has expressed its intent to initiate a parliamentary process to remove the president from office, citing authoritarian tendencies.

Amidst these regional developments, Nigerian politician Fani-Kayode cautioned against provoking Nigeria, describing the nation as a “sleeping sword” that should not be awakened. He urged those involved in the regional crises to reconsider threats of war and seek peaceful solutions through dialogue.

As the situation continues to evolve in Niger and across the region, the international community closely watches the developments, knowing that the resolution of these crises will have far-reaching implications for stability and security in West Africa