The deadline for Niger’s military junta to reinstate the ousted president has arrived, but there are appeals for the West Africa regional bloc to pursue peaceful means instead of military intervention. The coup leaders held a rally in the capital where a chicken decorated in the colors of France was beheaded, to the cheers of the crowd. Nigeria’s Senate has pushed back against the regional bloc’s plan, urging the exploration of non-force options. The coup adds complexity to the Sahel region, which is already dealing with military takeovers, Islamic extremism, and geopolitical shifts. The ousted president claims he is being held hostage by the mutinous soldiers. Algeria and Chad, non-ECOWAS neighbors with strong militaries, oppose the use of force or military intervention. It is unclear what ECOWAS will do next. Thousands of people at the rally expressed defiance against the threats and France’s presence in the region. They waved Russian flags and called for African solidarity. Some youth joined the security forces to guard the capital’s streets, complying with the junta’s call to watch out for foreign intervention. Peter Pham, a former U.S. special envoy, suggests that ECOWAS should have given a shorter deadline to prevent the junta from strengthening its position. The coup is a blow to the United States and its allies, as Niger was seen as a major counterterrorism partner in the Sahel. Conflict incidents in Niger have decreased, while attacks have surged in Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have cut ties with French forces and partnered with Wagner. Some Nigerians quietly express concerns about the coup but fear retaliation. The uncertainty is worsening daily life for the country’s population, and humanitarian groups warn of devastating effects on millions of people in need of aid. Some residents believe military intervention is not the solution as they struggle to meet basic needs.
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