AU's cautious approach to Niger intervention

author: FutureCar Staff    

The African Union (AU) has decided to carefully study the potential impact of a planned military intervention in Niger before proceeding with deployment. This decision highlights the divisions surrounding the proposal initially put forward by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).

On Tuesday, the AU announced the suspension of Niger from its membership activities following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power on July 26. While the AU Peace and Security Council endorsed targeted sanctions on the junta, it emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Ecowas' proposal.

The Council acknowledged Ecowas' decision to deploy a "standby force" and requested the AU Commission to assess the economic, social, and security implications of such a deployment in Niger. The Commission is expected to report back to the Council with its findings.

During the Council's meeting on August 14, the issue of deploying the military from Ecowas became a sticking point, with some members expressing discomfort over the potential impact on Niger's sovereignty. The AU typically makes decisions by consensus and, as a result, members agreed to investigate the consequences of the deployment before taking any further action.

The AU typically suspends members who experience coups but does not have provisions for expulsion. The Council, which is the AU's main decision-making body on peace and security matters, often has the authority to authorize interventions. In the past, it authorized an intervention in the Gambia when former leader Yayha Jammeh refused to accept the election results.

Currently, the Council's members include Cameroon, Djibouti, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Congo-Brazzaville, The Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The membership rotates every two years among African Union members.

The Council's decision during its 168th meeting clearly demonstrated the continental body's unwillingness to engage with the junta led by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani. It called on all AU members and the international community to reject the unconstitutional change of government in Niger and refrain from actions that may grant legitimacy to the illegal regime.

The Council also expressed its rejection of any external interference by actors or countries outside of Africa in peace and security affairs on the continent, including engagements by private military companies. This statement came amidst reports that the Russian private military group Wagner had contacted the junta in Niger.

Meanwhile, the AU is collaborating with Ecowas to compile and submit a list of members of the military junta, as well as their military and civilian supporters involved in the coup, for targeted sanctions and individual punitive measures. President Bazoum, his son, and some members of his government remain detained in Niamey, despite threats of military intervention from Ecowas.

Ecowas has already implemented measures such as closing borders with Niger, freezing assets owned by Nigerien authorities in the bloc, and suspending financial transactions until Niger returns to democracy.

FutureCar Staff