Tension Is Rising After ECOWAS Force Deployed to Niger to Restore The Ousted Gov

Mohamed Toumba, one of the leading figures of the National Council for the Safeguarding  of the Fatherland, attends the demonstration of coup supporters and greets them at a stadium  in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 6, 2023. Photo: Balima Boureima/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a force to Niger to help restore the ousted regime after a military coup overthrew the government of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. 

The ECOWAS force, which is made up of troops from several ECOWAS countries, arrived in Niger on August 9, 2023. The force is expected to help to stabilize the situation in Niger and to ensure that the transition to democracy is smooth. The force will also help to protect civilians from violence.

The coup leaders have promised to hold elections within 12 months, but ECOWAS has demanded that they step down immediately and hand power back to Bazoum. The bloc has also imposed sanctions on Niger, including a travel ban and a freeze on the country's assets. Some scenes shows crowds rising Russian flags which give a hint that Russia might participated behind the scene in supporting the coup in Niger.

On the another hand, The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have warned that any military intervention in Niger would means a clearly declaration of war against their nations.

The ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum

It is unclear how long the ECOWAS force will remain in Niger. The bloc has said that it will withdraw the force once the transition to democracy is complete. However, it is possible that the force will need to remain in Niger for a longer period of time, depending on the security situation.

However, it is important to note that the deployment of the force is not without its risks. The force could be met with resistance from the coup leaders or from armed groups operating in Niger. There is also the risk that the force could become involved in the country's internal politics.

In addition to the deployment of the ECOWAS force, ECOWAS has also called for the release of all political prisoners and the lifting of the state of emergency in Niger. The bloc has also urged the coup leaders to engage in dialogue with the previous government. 

SUPPORTERS WAVE NIGERIEN'S FLAGS AS THEY RALLY IN SUPPORT OF NIGER'S  JUNTA IN FRONT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN NIAMEY ON JULY 30, 2023

It remains to be seen whether the ECOWAS force will be successful in restoring previous regime in Niger. However, the deployment of the force is a risly step and it might lead to a big war in the west of Africa.

A military coup has overthrown the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger. The coup leaders, led by Colonel Mamadou Sanda, announced on July 26, 2023 that they had taken control of the country and that Bazoum had been arrested. 

The future of Niger is uncertain after the coup. It is unclear whether the coup leaders will be able to restore stability to the country or whether the country will descend into chaos.