“Any military intervention would cause massive bloodshed in Niger itself and would almost certainly lead to wider war in the area”

No to Military Intervention in Niger

With backing from the US, France and other western powers, regional African governments led by Nigeria and organised in Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States), are threatening military action against Niger.

They are responding to a coup on 26 July that overthrew the pro-western government of President Bazoum.

The president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asked the Senate to place the army on a war footing.

The US has frozen $100 million dollars of aid to the country and is demanding the return of the recently ousted government of President Bazoum. Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, has been rushed to Niger to challenge the new government.

The UK too has suspended long term aid and called for the reinstatement of the Bazoum government. Ben Wallace has recently warned of the possibility of international military action in the region.

France, the former colonial ruler of Niger has a large military base in the country and massive economic interests there. The US has two drone bases in the country and Germany has trained Nigerien troops.

The Western powers are desperate to protect their interests after a series of coups that have led to the removal of pro-western governments in West Africa over the last few years and led to an increase in Russian influence in the region.

Any military intervention would cause massive bloodshed in Niger itself and would almost certainly lead to wider war in the area. The governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have already announced military support for the new government in Niger in the event of an invasion.

Any military action would likely also draw in forces from France, the US and other world powers, creating another terrible regional war.

Reposted from Stop the War.