The Niger Republic’s military junta has severed diplomatic ties with Nigeria after the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) failed to resolve the ongoing impasse.
ECOWAS had given a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum to avoid potential clashes with the junta.
In response, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) to meet with the coup leaders, but they only met with junta representatives.
On national television, one of the putschists announced the termination of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger to France, Nigeria, Togo, and the United States.
Following the detention of Niger’s ousted leader, Bazoum, by members of the Presidential Guard, the military announced their seizure of power, and Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government two days later.
In a bid to support ECOWAS, the United States, represented by President Joe Biden, called for the immediate release of Bazoum, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic values and the right to peaceful assembly, which underpin the partnership between Niger and the US.
Amid concerns about escalating conflict, several European countries have evacuated their nationals from Niger.
