Niger’s Military Junta announced on Tuesday its Willingness to engage in Talks aimed at Resolving the Regional Crisis triggered by last Month’s Military Coup.
Both Russia and the United States have joined in calling for a Peaceful Solution to the situation.
The Western Nations and Democratic African Governments have urged the Coup Leaders to reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held in Detention since July 26.
However, the Military Leaders have rejected Negotiations and have stood firm in their Refusal to Reinstate Bazoum.
In response to these developments, West African Army Chiefs are set to assemble in Ghana on Thursday and Friday to make Preparations for a Potential Military Intervention.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the main Regional bloc, has threatened Military action if Diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful.
The Possibility of a Military Intervention raises concerns about further Destabilization in the Impoverished Sahel region, where groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State have caused the displacement of millions and exacerbated hunger over the past decade.
Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, appointed as Prime Minister by the Military, emphasized that Niger is undergoing a Transitional process.
He indicated a Willingness to engage with all Parties while maintaining the Importance of the Country’s Independence.
The Coup and its aftermath have attracted the attention of International Powers with strategic Interests in the Region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Coup in a Conversation with Mali’s Military Leader, sparking worries among Western Governments about increasing Russian Influence in West Africa’s Sahel region.
The U.S. Administration under President Joe Biden expressed a Commitment to a Diplomatic Resolution and stressed the Value of Niger as a Partner.
While avoiding the term “Coup,” the U.S. referred to the events as an “attempted Coup.”
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has garnered support from the Central Africa Regional Bloc ECCAS in efforts to reverse the Coup in Niger and Reinstate the Constitutional order.
Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Tinubu assured the Public that they are adhering to Sanctions and pursuing their Objectives diligently.
Russian Influence has been growing in West Africa while Western Influence has diminished due to a series of coups.
Military Leaders in Countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have strengthened ties with Moscow, even expelling Troops from their former Colonial power, France.
Niger maintained its Status as a Western ally under President Bazoum’s leadership.
Several Western Nations had Troops Stationed in Niger through agreements with the previous Civilian Government.
However, since the Coup, support for Russia appears to have Surged in Niger, with Junta Supporters displaying Russian Flags and advocating for disengagement from France.
Niger’s Coup Leaders have annulled several Military agreements with France, although Paris has dismissed their Legitimacy.
The situation remains Fluid as International Actors navigate the complex dynamics of the Crisis.
