Tensions surge as Niger's military regime clashes with ECOWAS over troop deployment to reinstate democracy following President Bazoum's ousting. Threats against Bazoum's life by the junta complicate the intervention decision. ECOWAS force, potentially led by Nigeria, could muster 5,000 troops soon. Neighboring nations pledge support, while some locals reject external intervention. Western nations invested in countering terrorism in Niger, now at risk. African Union backs ECOWAS, urges junta to de-escalate. France and U.S. show cautious support. Amid this, Niger's populace grapples with sanctions and dire humanitarian conditions.
#NigerCoup #NigerCrisis #ECOWAS #NigerMilitary #Niger
~HT.98~PR.152~ED.102~
#NigerCoup #NigerCrisis #ECOWAS #NigerMilitary #Niger
~HT.98~PR.152~ED.102~
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 With the situation in Niger still volatile, India has issued an advisory for its nationals
00:05 in the African country.
00:07 It says the citizens are asked to leave the country as soon as possible.
00:12 Addressing the media, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said,
00:16 New Delhi is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger.
00:22 The government of India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger.
00:27 In the light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential
00:33 are advised to leave the country as soon as possible.
00:38 They may bear in mind that airspace is currently closed.
00:43 When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety
00:49 and security.
00:51 Those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised
00:58 to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalizes.
01:03 All those Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey are strongly
01:09 advised to do so expeditiously.
01:12 Indian nationals can reach emergency contact in the Embassy of India, Niamey at the number
01:18 +227 9975 9975 for any assistance.
01:24 We will also be issuing this advisory on our social media platforms shortly.
01:33 Tensions are rapidly intensifying in Niger as its new military regime clashes with the
01:37 West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which had ordered the deployment of troops to restore
01:43 the country's faltering democracy.
01:45 The ECOWAS bloc announced its decision to deploy a standby force with the goal to reinstating
01:52 constitutional order in Niger following the expiration of its deadline for the reinstatement
01:57 of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
02:05 The specifics of ECOWAS' forces' deployment remain unclear, raising questions about its
02:10 timing and location.
02:12 India reports of threats against President Bazoum's life add complexity to the decision-making
02:17 process within the 15-member regional bloc.
02:20 Conflict experts suggest that the ECOWAS force may comprise approximately 5,000 troops possibly
02:26 led by Nigeria and could be ready for deployment in the coming weeks.
02:36 Neighboring country Ivory Coast has announced its participation in the military operation
02:40 alongside Nigeria and Benin.
02:42 There are some, though, who are expressing discontent with ECOWAS' potential intervention,
02:47 asserting that the regional bloc lacks an accurate understanding of the ground reality
02:52 and the underlying reasons for the coup.
02:56 Niger, home to around 25 million people, has been a vital partner for Western nations in
03:04 combating the jihadi insurgency linked to the al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group that
03:10 has afflicted the region.
03:12 Countries like France and United States have invested significantly with over 2,500 military
03:18 personnel in Niger, along with substantial financial contributions to support the nation's
03:23 military infrastructure.
03:28 The junta, led by General Abdur Rahmani Chiani, claims that it can provide better protection
03:34 against jihadi violence than President Basu's government.
03:38 The junta has capitalized on anti-French sentiments among the population to bolster its support.
03:44 Meanwhile, the African Union has expressed strong support for ECOWAS' decision and urged
03:49 the junta to de-escalate tensions.
03:55 As the region hangs between potential mediation and conflict, people in Niger face the consequences
04:01 of severe economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
04:06 The situation has further worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis, especially for more
04:11 than 4 million Nigerian citizens who relied on humanitarian assistance even before the
04:17 coup.
04:23 [BLANK_AUDIO]