Nigerien crisis (2023–present)

On 26 July 2023, a coup d'état occurred in Niger, during which the country's presidential guard removed and detained President Mohamed Bazoum. Subsequently, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Commander of the Presidential Guard, proclaimed himself the leader of the country and established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, after confirming the success of the coup.

2023-24 Nigerien crisis
Part of the aftermath of the 2023 Nigerien coup d'état

The political situation in ECOWAS as of 23 December 2023
  Supports Nigerien coup diplomatically
  Opposes Nigerien coup diplomatically
  Opposes Nigerien coup militarily
  ISGS
Date29 July 2023 – present (2023-07-29 – present)
Location
Status

Ongoing; Coup d'état successful

  • ECOWAS ultimatum expired 6 August
  • ECOWAS authorizes military intervention at 10 August emergency summit
  • Airspace closures across Niger
  • Mobilization of Niger's armed forces
  • Evacuations of foreign nationals
  • Junta names a new government
  • ECOWAS military chiefs meet on 17–18 August and decide on a "D-Day" for military intervention if diplomatic solutions fail
  • ECOWAS delegation meets with ousted President Bazoum
  • Junta proposal for three-year transition to civilian rule rejected by ECOWAS
  • Niger suspended from African Union
  • Creation of Alliance of Sahel States
  • French troops withdrew from Niger
Belligerents
Supported by:
Commanders and leaders


Strength
30,000 soldiers Western estimate: ≥7,000 in ECOWAS standby force

In response to this development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum on 30 July, giving the coup leaders in Niger one week to reinstate Bazoum, with the threat of international sanctions and potential use of force. When the deadline of the ultimatum expired on 6 August, no military intervention was initiated; however, on 10 August, ECOWAS took the step of activating its standby force. Previously in 2017, ECOWAS had launched a military intervention to restore democracy in The Gambia during a constitutional crisis within the country.

All active member states of ECOWAS, except for Cape Verde, have pledged to engage their armed forces in the event of an ECOWAS-led military intervention against the Nigerien junta. Conversely, the military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali announced they would send troops in support of the junta were such a military intervention launched while forming a mutual defense pact.

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