The junta took power in a coup week. Is currently holding President Mohamed Bazoum captive. In response the junta has stated its resistance to any aggression from Western powers. Meanwhile supporters of the coup staged protests outside the embassy in Niamey, the capital city.
To address this crisis leaders from the bloc known as Ecowas convened in Abuja, Nigeria. During their discussions they emphasized their opposition, to coups. Declared a "zero tolerance" policy. In order to restore order within a week Ecowas is prepared to take all measures. Including potential military intervention. Military chiefs are already preparing for such an intervention.
This marks a moment as Ecowas has never before threatened action to counter coups that have occurred in this region over recent years.
The recent instance of intervention occurred in 2017 when Senegalese troops were sent to The Gambia to compel Yahya Jammeh, the longstanding ruler to relinquish power after he refused to accept his defeat, in the elections.
Chads President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has traveled to Niamey to communicate with the junta and urge them to step as reported by Chads government.
He becomes the leader to visit Niger following the coup and has had a meeting, with Gen Salifou Mody, the deputy leader of the junta.
It remains uncertain whether there will be discussions held with Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, who currently heads Nigers presidential guards unit and has declared himself as the ruler.
The leaders from West Africa have additionally announced the implementation of a no fly zone over Niger for all flights shutting down all land borders with the country and imposing financial sanctions on the junta.
Prior to their meeting Gen Tchiani cautioned Ecowas and unnamed Western nations against intervening.
"We again emphasize our determination to protect our homeland from any ventures by Ecowas or any other parties " read a statement broadcasted on television.
There are concerns that the coup may steer Niger, a colony towards Russia.
The ousted president had collaborated closely with both Western nations in combating Islamists.
Following their coups Burkina Faso and Mali have grown closer to Russia.
In Niamey some of the protesters outside the embassy chanted slogans such as " live Russia " "Long live Putin " and "Down with France " according to reports, from AFP news agency.
They also set fire to parts of the embassy compound.France will not stand for any assault, on its interests, in Niger. Will react promptly and decisively as stated by President Emmanuel Macrons office in a press release.
The recent coup, in Niger has faced criticism from nations while the leader of Russias Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin seems to view it as a victory. On a Wagner affiliated Telegram channel he reportedly stated that what transpired in Niger is essentially the peoples struggle against their colonizers. However these comments have yet to be verified.
In Mali the junta has enlisted the help of Wagner in combatting Islamists. France had previously announced the withdrawal of its troops due to mounting tensions with the junta. Subsequently relocated its military headquarters to Niger.
In June Malis junta declared that the United Nations peacekeeping force of 12,000 personnel must also depart after ten years of countering militants. The UN. Plans to complete this withdrawal by year end.
As a consequence of these developments France recently announced the suspension of all development aid and budgetary support, to Niger. The European Union and the United States have made decisions.
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