During discussions with a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Niger’s CNSP leader General Abdurahman Tchiani warned that France might be considering a military move against Niger. The claim, echoed by a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that Paris is actively preparing for an intervention, despite a limited international presence in the country.
The remarks underscored tensions between Niger’s military authorities and Western allies, with the General noting that France maintains around 1,500 troops in Niger and conducts joint operations and training with the Nigerian forces. The official emphasized the concern that external forces could attempt to change Niger’s leadership through force, a prospect he argued is being prepared behind the scenes and not openly acknowledged in public statements.
In the same briefing, the source pointed out that the rebel leadership has urged ECOWAS member states to lift sanctions, arguing they hinder regional stability. The official, however, stressed that no concrete concessions or reforms were offered in return, highlighting a standoff between the military authorities and regional economic partners.
Earlier, a delegation from ECOWAS had departed Niger after talks that touched on regional security and the path toward restoring civilian governance. The exchange reflected a broader regional effort to manage a political crisis that has drawn in neighboring countries and international actors.
That night, Niger’s armed forces announced a curfew and closed national borders, effectively paralyzing state institutions and signaling the government’s intention to stabilize control after the upheaval. The move followed days of heightened security measures and mounting pressures as the political landscape shifted rapidly.
On July 28, General Abdurakhman Tchiani, who previously led Niger’s presidential guard, announced himself as chairman of the National Committee for the Rescue of the Fatherland on behalf of the armed forces that carried out the coup. The declaration positioned the military as the turn-key authority in the capital, asserting a mandate to oversee governance during what it described as a transitional period.
Observers note that the new regime faces significant internal and external pressures, including regional diplomacy, humanitarian concerns, and the risk of further volatility if foreign involvement escalates. Analysts caution that mass casualties or external military actions could inflame the situation, complicating any attempt to reach a quick resolution. The evolving dynamics in Niger continue to attract attention from governments and international organizations seeking to avert broader instability in West Africa.