Calm reigned in the capital of Niger on Sunday, with citizens seemingly unconcerned about the threat from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding military intervention as the deadline for the coup leaders to restore the president to power came to an end. In the streets of Niamey, there were sporadic signs of support for the military council, which claimed it would not succumb to external pressures to relinquish the power it seized on July 26.
The military takeover in Niger has shaken the Sahel region, marking the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years. Niger, one of the poorest regions in the world, holds strategic importance for Russia, China, and the West. About a hundred people staged a sit-in near an airbase in Niamey, vowing to resist if necessary in support of the new military administration but without resorting to violence. The protesters chanted, "Long live Niger," and many sentiments appeared to be anti-ECOWAS and anti-France.
Retired citizen Amadou Adamu remarked, "The people of Niger have understood that these imperialists want our downfall. God willing, the suffering will be theirs." Television programs broadcasted discussions aimed at mobilizing solidarity in the face of looming ECOWAS sanctions, which have led to power outages and increased prices of basic food items.
On July 30, defense officials from ECOWAS agreed to take military action, including deciding on the timing and location of the intervention if President Mohamed Bazoum, who is detained, was not released and restored to power by Sunday. While difficulties related to ECOWAS sanctions, including power outages and rising food prices loom, many residents appeared indifferent. A housewife, standing on a nearly empty street in Niamey on Sunday morning said, "I am not worried because I know any military intervention by ECOWAS in Niger would be a loss for that group."
Weddings proceeded as usual over the weekend, with several wedding parades held on Saturday where attendees dressed elegantly. ECOWAS has not responded to requests for comment regarding its next steps or the exact ending of the deadline on Sunday.
ECOWAS's promise of military intervention has raised fears of further conflict in a region already battling an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and forced millions to flee. Support for similar coup leaders in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso may undermine the regional response, as both countries have stated they would come to Niger's defense. France announced on Saturday that it would support efforts to end the coup but did not specify whether the support would include military assistance for the ECOWAS intervention. Niger's ousted Prime Minister Hamadou Mohamedou stated that the deposed government still believes a last-minute agreement is possible.
