A threat to the life of the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, has been issued by Niger‘s military leaders, specifically in response to the possibility of military intervention from neighbouring countries or Western sources aimed at his reinstatement.
The threat was disclosed by two ‘Western officials’ in a report by The Associated Press on Thursday, who indicated that the coup leaders communicated this warning during a discussion with a high-ranking U.S. diplomat.
This information was revealed just a few hours after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiated the deployment of a ‘standby force,’ with the primary objective of restoring democratic order in Niger.
This statement was made by the West African regional bloc during an Extraordinary Meeting held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, following the expiration of its deadline on Sunday for the restoration of President Bazoum’s government.
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Pointing to the junta’s failure to meet its ultimatum, ECOWAS asserted the necessity of the upcoming actions, while emphasising that diplomacy and dialogue would be integral components of the initiatives aimed at restoring a democratic government.
The jeopardy faced by the deposed president has increased the tension regarding the situation for both ECOWAS and the junta, which has exhibited a willingness to escalate its actions since taking power on July 26.
Based on the AP report, an undisclosed Western military official, speaking under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, stated that the junta’s representatives apprised US Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country this week.
Reports suggest that a US official, who was not authorized to speak to the media, purportedly affirmed the accuracy of the account while speaking under the condition of anonymity.
Aneliese Bernard, a former US State Department official with a focus on African affairs who currently heads Strategic Stabilization Advisors, a risk advisory group, observed, The rising threats from both sides are increasing tensions, but there’s a silver lining in that they could be nudged towards meaningful dialogue.
‘Still, this junta has escalated its moves so quickly that it’s possible they do something more extreme, as that has been their approach so far,’ she cautioned.
On Thursday, a meeting in Abuja brought together nine leaders from the 15-member West African bloc, to deliberate on the steps they should take next.