Niger coup: ECOWAS delegation arrives after ‘D-day’ invasion threat
Al JazeeraSep 01, 2023
The Facts
Following a meeting on Tuesday in, Ethiopia, the African Union (AU) suspended Niger from the continental bloc, effective immediately. The decision came after several Western countries cut aid to Niger following last month's coup, which overthrew Pres. Mohamed Bazoum.
AU also expressed reservations about the West African regional bloc ECOWAS's [Economic Community of West African States] talk of a possible military intervention to restore Bazoum, saying they prefer a diplomatic resolution. The AU called on its Commission to "assess the economic, social, and security implications" of such an operation.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The African Union's decision to suspend Niger's representatives from voting was part of a standard playbook for handling coups in Africa. The AU favors a diplomatic solution and has urged the coup leaders to reinstate President Bazoum and return to military bases. However, if these talks are unsuccessful, the military option is still on the table.
Establishment-critical narrative
Niger's coup leader has pledged to restore civilian rule within three years as part of a peaceful transition. Meanwhile, all sanctions against Niger must come to an end for the sake of the Nigerian people. There must not be any imperial foreign interventions in the country — Niger has a right to defend itself from outside forces.
