West African leaders agree to create regional force to intervene against jihadism, coups
2 years ago

West African leaders agree to create regional force to intervene against jihadism, coups

Firstpost  

National armies, largely powerless against the jihadist forces operating across borders, have been cooperating with external actors such as the UN, France and Russia Abuja, Nigeria: West African leaders agreed on Sunday to create a regional force to intervene against jihadism and in the event of coups, a senior official said. Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States had decided to act to “take care of our own security in the region”, Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, told journalists at a summit in Nigeria. Pressure on Mali Addressing another regional problem, the West African leaders told Mali’s ruling junta to release 46 Ivorian troops it has held since July. Coup-hit nations The West African leaders, concerned about instability and contagion, have been pressing for months for the quickest possible return to civilian rule in the three countries which have undergone coups in recent years.

Leaders West African Burkina Faso Force Guinea West African Mali Ecowas Touray Ivorian Regional Force Constitutional Order West African Leaders  regional  agree  security  faso  leaders  force  coups  african  mali  touray  troops  intervene  west  ecowas  create  jihadism

History of this topic

West Africa bloc lifts coup sanctions on Niger in a new push for dialogue to resolve tensions
9 months, 4 weeks ago

West Africa bloc lifts coup sanctions on Niger in a new push for dialogue to resolve tensions

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — West Africa’s regional bloc known as ECOWAS said Saturday that it is lifting travel and economic sanctions imposed on Niger that were aimed at reversing last year’s coup in the country in a new push for dialogue as it also renewed calls on three junta-led nations to rescind their decision to quit the regional bloc. The sanctions …

West African nations flee quickly from the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers following coups
10 months, 2 weeks ago

West African nations flee quickly from the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers following coups

Firstpost  

As its ministers convened to discuss the escalating political strain and division in the region, West African regional bloc said on Thursday that the coup-stricken countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are swiftly abandoning the body without adhering to its exit regulations. The ECOWAS bloc refuted claims made by the juntas of the participating countries that their unprecedented decision …

After coups, West African nations hurry to leave the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers
10 months, 2 weeks ago

After coups, West African nations hurry to leave the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — The coup-hit nations of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are in haste to quit West Africa’s regional bloc without following its rules of exit, the body said Thursday as its ministers met to deliberate on growing division and political tension in the region. At the ministerial meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, the bloc known as …

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso announce withdrawal from ECOWAS
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso announce withdrawal from ECOWAS

Al Jazeera  

The three nations, led by military governments, accused the regional bloc of becoming a threat to member states. Three military-led West African nations have announced their immediate withdrawal from regional bloc ECOWAS, accusing the body of becoming a threat to its members. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso “decide in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal” from the Economic Community of …

Vantage | Why West Africa is going soft on Niger's coup leaders
1 year ago

Vantage | Why West Africa is going soft on Niger's coup leaders

Firstpost  

ECOWAS seems to have finally given up on returning the ousted Mohamed Bazoum to power The Economic Community of West African States is a regional grouping of 15 countries; four of these members have been suspended in the last two years because of an epidemic of coups. The military has overthrown the elected government in four ECOWAS member states, namely …

In coup-hit West Africa, regional leaders recognize Niger’s junta but seek fast return to democracy
1 year ago

In coup-hit West Africa, regional leaders recognize Niger’s junta but seek fast return to democracy

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — West African heads of state on Sunday officially recognized the junta in power in Niger, but said their sanctions to reverse the July coup in the country would remain even as they initiate steps for a “short” period of transition to civilian rule. A team of heads of state would engage with the junta “to agree on …

Some in Africa are celebrating the coups. Many are fed up and desperate for change, analysts say
1 year, 3 months ago

Some in Africa are celebrating the coups. Many are fed up and desperate for change, analysts say

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — After mutinous soldiers in Gabon announced they had deposed the country’s president, many residents danced in the streets and declared themselves free from the presidential family’s 55-year rule. “The leaders who are supposed to be democrats are not abiding by the rules of democracy … and people are wondering, what is in this system for me?” Research …

Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan is a ‘provocation,’ says West African regional bloc
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger junta’s 3-year transition plan is a ‘provocation,’ says West African regional bloc

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — The West African bloc ECOWAS rejected the proposal by Niger’s mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule, with a commissioner describing the slow timeline as a provocation. The door for diplomacy with Niger’s junta remained open but the bloc is not going to engage in drawn-out talks that lead nowhere, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner …

A scramble of last-ditch diplomacy aims at finding a peaceful solution to Niger's deepening crisis
1 year, 4 months ago

A scramble of last-ditch diplomacy aims at finding a peaceful solution to Niger's deepening crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The representatives from the West …

Leader of Niger’s junta says it will restore civilian rule within 3 years, but gives no details
1 year, 4 months ago

Leader of Niger’s junta says it will restore civilian rule within 3 years, but gives no details

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — The leader of mutinous soldiers who ousted Niger’s democratically elected president said Saturday night that they will return the country to civilian rule within three years. On Friday, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to commit troops to military intervention, saying they were “ready to …

11 nations of West Africa commit to a military deployment to restore the ousted president of Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

11 nations of West Africa commit to a military deployment to restore the ousted president of Niger

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Eleven West African nations have agreed to commit troops to a military deployment aimed at restoring Niger’s democratically elected president following last month’s coup, an official for the regional bloc said Friday after a defense ministers meeting. The overthrow of the president nearly one month ago has been a big blow to the United States, France and …

West African militaries meet to finalise possible Niger intervention
1 year, 4 months ago

West African militaries meet to finalise possible Niger intervention

The Hindu  

West African army chiefs were due to hold a second and final day of talks on Friday in Ghana's capital Accra, where they have been hashing out the details of a possible military intervention in Niger if diplomacy fails to reverse a military coup. Military officers deposed Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have defied calls from the …

Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs meet to discuss potential military force
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s neighbors running out of options as defense chiefs meet to discuss potential military force

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — West African defense chiefs met Thursday to discuss the crisis in Niger after coup leaders there ignored their deadline to step down, leaving the region’s countries with few options in their effort to restore democratic rule. Niger’s coup was seen by the international community and ECOWAS as one too many and in addition to threatening a military …

Most of West Africa ready to join standby force in Niger: ECOWAS
1 year, 4 months ago

Most of West Africa ready to join standby force in Niger: ECOWAS

Al Jazeera  

ECOWAS commissioner says all member states will join the force except those under military rule and Cape Verde. The Economic Community of West African States has said most of its member states are ready to participate in a standby force that could intervene in Niger following a coup there late last month. All member states except those under military rule …

First major jihadi attack since coup kills 17 and wounds dozens in Niger, fueling Western fears
1 year, 4 months ago

First major jihadi attack since coup kills 17 and wounds dozens in Niger, fueling Western fears

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Insurgents killed 17 soldiers and wounded nearly 24 in the first major attack in half a year against the army in Niger, where Western powers fear a coup by the elite presidential guard last month is weakening a rare ally against jihadi violence in West Africa’s Sahel region. It was the first major attack against Niger’s army …

West Africa in another bid to engage with Niger coup leaders
1 year, 4 months ago

West Africa in another bid to engage with Niger coup leaders

The Hindu  

West Africa's ECOWAS bloc aims to send a parliamentary committee to Niger to meet coup leaders who seized power last month, a spokesperson said on Saturday, part of a last ditch regional effort to restore civilian rule that includes religious leaders. But coup leaders, headed by General Abdourahamane Tiani, have rebuffed diplomatic efforts by the Economic Community of West African …

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

The Hindu  

Tensions are escalating between Niger's new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger's flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc said on Thursday it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. Hours earlier, two Western officials …

West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger

LA Times  

Leaders of West African nations are trying to find a solution to the political crisis in Niger following a military coup there. The ECOWAS organization said Thursday that it had directed a “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. On Friday the African Union expressed strong support for …

Niger military names 21-person cabinet ahead of key West African summit
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger military names 21-person cabinet ahead of key West African summit

Al Jazeera  

ECOWAS leaders will hold a summit to agree on a plan of action for Niger, where coup leaders refuse to stand down. Heads of state in the Economic Community of West African States are holding a summit in Nigeria to agree on a plan of action for Niger, where the coup leaders have refused to stand down. The bloc’s leaders …

Niger: What are West Africa’s options to reverse the coup?
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger: What are West Africa’s options to reverse the coup?

Al Jazeera  

West Africa’s regional bloc has imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened possible use of force. Niger’s military government has defied a Sunday deadline from West Africa’s regional bloc to reinstate overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum or face a possible military intervention. Defence chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States last week drew up a plan for the possible use …

Niger coup: Divisions as ECOWAS military threat fails to play out
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger coup: Divisions as ECOWAS military threat fails to play out

Al Jazeera  

All eyes are on the next move by West African leaders who vowed to attack coup leaders in Niger if they failed to free the detained president and revert back to a democratically elected government. While some observers say the bloc’s hardline stance was prompted by Western allies – the United States and France in particular – ECOWAS’s moves reflect …

West Africa defense chiefs finalize Niger intervention plan as junta negotiations deadlock
1 year, 4 months ago

West Africa defense chiefs finalize Niger intervention plan as junta negotiations deadlock

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — Defense chiefs from West African nations finalized an intervention plan Friday and urged militaries to ready resources after negotiations deadlocked with Niger’s military junta, which says it is severing military agreements with France, its former colonial ruler. However, defense chiefs from ECOWAS countries excluding Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea and Niger met Friday in Abuja, Nigeria, concluding …

West African leaders make plan for military intervention in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

West African leaders make plan for military intervention in Niger

Al Jazeera  

Regional bloc ECOWAS works out potential operation to back up ultimatum to coup leaders to give up power by Sunday. West African defence chiefs have made a plan for potential military intervention to reverse last week’s coup in Niger, including how and when to deploy forces. ECOWAS has already imposed sanctions on Niger and said it could authorise the use …

Niger’s premier issues call from France for international help to roll back his country’s coup
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger’s premier issues call from France for international help to roll back his country’s coup

Associated Press  

PARIS — Niger’s prime minister, who has been stuck outside the country since last week’s coup, appealed Tuesday for the international community’s help in rolling back the military takeover, saying it was crucial for defending democracy in West Africa. Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said in an interview with The Associated Press that Niger should be considered a linchpin for supporting …

What would West African bloc’s threat to use force to restore democracy in Niger look like?
1 year, 4 months ago

What would West African bloc’s threat to use force to restore democracy in Niger look like?

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — The stance of West Africa’s regional bloc known as ECOWAS in the military takeover in Niger is clear: “We will stand with our people in our commitment to the rule of law,” its chairman, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, said at the body’s meeting this week. Analysts have said the success of such a military intervention would also …

Burkina Faso, Mali warn against military intervention in Niger
1 year, 4 months ago

Burkina Faso, Mali warn against military intervention in Niger

Al Jazeera  

Niger’s neighbours say any intervention to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum will be considered a ‘declaration of war’ against them. The military governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have warned that any military intervention against last week’s coup leaders in Niger would be considered a “declaration of war” against their nations. Niger’s neighbours issued the warning in joint statements read …

France prepares to evacuate citizens from Niger as military coup get support from other West African nations
1 year, 4 months ago

France prepares to evacuate citizens from Niger as military coup get support from other West African nations

India TV News  

After supporters of the Niger military attacked the French embassy on Sunday, France is now preparing to evacuate its citizens as well as those from other European countries, as the recent coup gained support from three other West African countries ruled by the military. West African countries back military coup Meanwhile, the countries of Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened …

Supporters of Niger military government take to the streets
1 year, 4 months ago

Supporters of Niger military government take to the streets

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of supporters of the military leaders that took over Niger in a coup this week marched through the streets of the capital, denouncing the country’s former colonial power and lighting a door at the French embassy ablaze before the army broke up the crowd. Niger, a French colony until 1960, had been seen as the West’s last reliable partner …

West African gov’ts give Niger coup leaders a week to cede power
1 year, 4 months ago

West African gov’ts give Niger coup leaders a week to cede power

Al Jazeera  

The Economic Community of West African States regional bloc demands that President Mohamed Bazoum be reinstated within a week. West African countries have imposed sanctions on Niger’s new military leaders, threatening to use force if they fail to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum within a week, after the latest coup in the Sahel region raised alarm on the continent. The …

Niger adds to growing list of countries in the Sahel run by the military
1 year, 4 months ago

Niger adds to growing list of countries in the Sahel run by the military

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — Mutinous soldiers in Niger this week overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum, adding to a growing list of military regimes in West Africa’s Sahel region and raising fears of regional destabilization. Karim Manuel, west and central Africa analyst for the Economist Intelligence Unit, says the military governments threaten to unwind democratic gains made not …

Over 1,800 ‘terrorist attacks’ in West Africa in 2023: ECOWAS
1 year, 4 months ago

Over 1,800 ‘terrorist attacks’ in West Africa in 2023: ECOWAS

Al Jazeera  

The West African bloc is set to discuss strengthening a regional standby force to tackle insecurity and threats of coups. Omar Touray told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday that half a million people in the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States are refugees and nearly 6.2 million are internally displaced. “The reversal of democratic gains runs parallel …

West Africa recorded over 1,800 terrorist attack in first six months of 2023, regional official says
1 year, 4 months ago

West Africa recorded over 1,800 terrorist attack in first six months of 2023, regional official says

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — West Africa recorded over 1,800 terrorist attacks in the first six months of the year resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths with dire humanitarian consequences, and a top regional official said Tuesday that’s just “a snippet of the horrendous impact of insecurity.” Omar Touray told the U.N. Security Council that half a million people in the 15-nation Economic …

Ivory Coast asks Mali to release 49 soldiers arrested in Bamako
2 years, 5 months ago

Ivory Coast asks Mali to release 49 soldiers arrested in Bamako

Al Jazeera  

Ivory Coast says its men are part of a security support deal signed with the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2019. Ivory Coast has demanded the release of 49 of its soldiers arrested in Mali, an incident that may worsen tensions between Mali’s military rulers and other West African nations amid efforts to quell activity by armed groups linked …

Sahel insecurity, post-coup sanctions loom large at ECOWAS summit
2 years, 5 months ago

Sahel insecurity, post-coup sanctions loom large at ECOWAS summit

Al Jazeera  

The Western African leaders are expected to discuss efforts to restore civilian rule in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. West African leaders are meeting in Ghana’s capital for a summit of the Economic Community of African States, where rising insecurity in the Sahel and questions over how the bloc will move to restore civilian rule following three separate military coups …

East African leaders send regional force to eastern Congo
2 years, 6 months ago

East African leaders send regional force to eastern Congo

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy East Africa’s leaders have responded …

Mali military promises return to civilian rule in March 2024
2 years, 6 months ago

Mali military promises return to civilian rule in March 2024

Al Jazeera  

Generals hope new offer will lead to lifting of sanctions were imposed after they reneged on an earlier promise to hold elections in February. Mali’s military rulers have proposed the restoration of civilian rule in two years, following an August 2020 coup and a failure to meet an earlier deadline for elections that led to crippling sanctions. Military leader Colonel …

West African leaders put off further post-coup sanctions
2 years, 6 months ago

West African leaders put off further post-coup sanctions

Associated Press  

ACCRA, Ghana — West African heads of state put off further punishing the leaders of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso at a regional summit Saturday, as coup leaders in all three countries continue to insist that it will take years before new elections can be held. The 15-nation regional bloc known as ECOWAS will convene again on July 3 before …

A wave of coups in West Africa
2 years, 9 months ago

A wave of coups in West Africa

The Hindu  

In the last couple of years, Africahas witnessed a series of military coups reminiscent of those that regularly occurred in the region until the 1980s. Colonel Assimi Goita, who led the coup in 2019 and was the Vice President in an interim government led by a civilian President, seized power in the middle of last year. In the last week …

African Union | Amidst a wave of coups and a pandemic
2 years, 10 months ago

African Union | Amidst a wave of coups and a pandemic

The Hindu  

In the 35th African Union Summit held on February 5-6 at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, the key concerns were the rising wave of military coups in the continent, especially in West Africa, and the lack of COVID-19 vaccines in the continent. Just a few days prior to the summit, Burkina Faso was suspended by the AU after President Roch Marc …

Why have civilians welcomed the recent coups in West Africa?
2 years, 10 months ago

Why have civilians welcomed the recent coups in West Africa?

Al Jazeera  

In the last two years, three fragile countries in West Africa – Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso – succumbed to instability and experienced military takeovers. In further legitimising the putschists, citizens in Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali have accused their former colonial masters of being complicit in their plight and rejected external interventions and sanctions – mainly imposed by the …

Explained: The coups in West Africa and the regional response
2 years, 10 months ago

Explained: The coups in West Africa and the regional response

The Hindu  

The story so far: In the 35th African Union Summit featuring the heads of State and governments, the head of the AU’s Peace and Security Council, Bankole Adeoye raised concerns over the increasing wave of military coups in the continent, especially in West Africa. In Burkina Faso, the military takeover in January 2022 took place after months of unrest due …

ECOWAS asks Burkina Faso junta for election date proposal
2 years, 10 months ago

ECOWAS asks Burkina Faso junta for election date proposal

Associated Press  

ACCRA, Ghana — West African regional leaders refrained Thursday from imposing sanctions against the new military junta in Burkina Faso, instead calling on the new rulers propose a firm date for returning the country to democratic rule. But the regional body known as ECOWAS will take further action if the junta continues to detain Burkina Faso’s deposed leader Roch Marc …

ECOWAS due to discuss response to Burkina Faso coup
2 years, 10 months ago

ECOWAS due to discuss response to Burkina Faso coup

Al Jazeera  

Extraordinary meeting comes hours after new military ruler addresses nation for first time since overthrowing democratically elected President Roch Kabore. The 15-member Economic Community of West African States regional bloc had suspended and imposed sanctions on Burkina Faso’s neighbours Mali and Guinea following coups in August 2020 and September 2021, respectively. Its extraordinary virtual meeting on Friday comes hours after …

Mali proposes five-year election delay to West African bloc
2 years, 11 months ago

Mali proposes five-year election delay to West African bloc

Al Jazeera  

The transitional government initially agreed to hold presidential and legislative elections in February 2022 amid pressure from ECOWAS. Mali’s interim authorities have proposed to its West African neighbours that a transition back to democracy following a 2020 military coup be extended by five years, the foreign minister said in comments broadcast on Saturday. The transitional government initially agreed to hold …

What next for Mali after second coup within a year?
3 years, 6 months ago

What next for Mali after second coup within a year?

Al Jazeera  

Colonel Assimi Goita, who has led two military coups in nine months, named country’s interim president. Colonel Assimi Goita, who led the August 2020 coup and was Ndaw’s deputy in the transitional administration formed in late September with the task of steering the country towards full civilian rule, said he was not consulted on the reshuffle, which was announced amid …

Global Leaders Condemn Mali Coup amid Worry about Extremists
4 years, 4 months ago

Global Leaders Condemn Mali Coup amid Worry about Extremists

News 18  

African and Western leaders condemned on Wednesday the junta that forced Mali’s president from power, warning the coup was a deep setback for the West African nation that could threaten the battle against Islamic extremism. Condemnation of the coup was strong and swift from many quarters, reflecting international concern about instability in Mali and West Africa more broadly amid increasing …

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