Junta Detains More Politicians in Niger, Defying Calls for Democracy Restoration
NIAMEY, July 31 (Reuters) – The junta that seized power in Niger last week detained three additional senior politicians from the ousted government on Monday, according to their party. This move comes despite international calls for the restoration of democratic rule. The arrests confirm the “repressive and dictatorial” nature of the coup leaders, the party said in a statement, calling on citizens to come together to protect democracy. The junta forces have already detained the interior minister, transport minister, and a deputy.
The coup has sparked concerns for the security of the Sahel region. The United States, France, and other Western states, which have troops in Niger, have been working with the government to combat militant forces linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda. The African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and other powers have condemned the junta’s overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, making it the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that it has not yet taken any action in response to the coup but is closely monitoring developments. The IMF had approved a $131.5 million loan to Niger on July 5 but has not disbursed the funds. Additionally, the regional central bank has canceled Niger’s planned bond issuance of 30 billion CFA ($51 million) in the West African regional debt market. The cancellation follows sanctions imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including a halt in all financial transactions and a freeze on national assets. The regional bloc has threatened to authorize force to reinstate President Bazoum, who was locked in his palace by members of his guard during the coup. The European Union and France have suspended financial support, while the United States has also threatened to do so. ECOWAS appears to have taken a tougher stance towards Niger than its junta-led neighbors, which have faced sanctions but never the threat of military intervention.
The coup in Niger follows military takeovers in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso over the past two years, all of which have been accompanied by a wave of anti-French sentiment. Both Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Russia as an ally. In response to the coup, supporters of the junta burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey. However, the city has since returned to normalcy.
The situation in Niger has caused serious concern among international actors. The International Monetary Fund and the regional central bank are closely monitoring the developments. The African Union, United Nations, and other major powers have condemned the coup. It remains to be seen how the junta will respond to these international calls for democracy restoration in Niger.
Original Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-07-31 17:06:06
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