Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
AFRICA 6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES, Cairo, Mısır, 26 - 29 Eylül 2024, ss.134-142
In Niger, which gained its independence from France in 1960, the army has played a significant role in influencing the country's political trajectory. In a manner analogous to the military coups that occurred in 1974, 1996, 1999, and 2010, on July 26, 2023, the Niger army, led by the Chief of the Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, assumed control of the government from the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and suspended the constitution. Deposed President Bazoum and his family were placed under house arrest. Subsequently, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), constituted by military and security personnel, took over the administration of the country. The media attributed the coup to the failure to establish security in the country and the inadequacy of Bazoum's government in terms of economic and social management. However, the overthrow of a democratic and legitimate government by a coup was met with a reaction by the international community. In the aftermath of the coup, the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) emphasized the necessity for the transfer of power to former Niger President Bazoum at a summit convened in Abuja, Nigeria. In the event of non-compliance, the organisation issued a stark warning of the imposition of stringent sanctions. Furthermore, countries (the USA, France) and international organizations (European Union) that had previously provided aid to Niger for health, security and infrastructure needs also suspended their support. Similarly, the West African Economic Monetary Union immediately initiated sanctions by freezing Niger state assets. However, the coup in Niger has not only received backlash but also support from regional countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali. These countries, which have recently adopted an anti-Western stance and fostered robust ties with Russia, subsequently formed a confederation. They have vehemently opposed any prospective military intervention in Niger and have declared that they would view such action as a casus belli. This situation has caused deep cracks in the West African bloc. The principal objective of this study is to assess the stance and strategic approach adopted by ECOWAS in response to the military coup in Niger, and to analyse the impact of this stance on regional security and stability. Keywords: 2023 Niger Coup, ECOWAS, Sanctions, The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)