Germany’s Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, urged a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger ahead of a forthcoming trip to West Africa. The remarks were reported by Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung and reflected a cautious stance from Berlin on how the international community should respond to political upheaval in the region.
Schulze emphasized that opposition to the coup in Niger must not escalate into a broader conflict. She underscored that there are multiple pathways to address the situation without resorting to violence. In particular, she advocated for the quick organization of a new, credible election and for the legitimate president, Mohamed Bazoum, to be released from detention or restraint so he can participate in a transparent political process. The goal, she stated, is to restore constitutional order while minimizing harm to the population.
In a show of regional consensus, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union have expressed strong support for a peaceful settlement. Schulze pointed out that the international community should keep diplomatic channels open and explore practical exits from the crisis that avoid military escalation. She stressed that such diplomatic options are indeed possible when all parties commit to dialogue and restraint.
On the eve of the turmoil, a military council emerged as the ruling authority in Niger following the overthrow of President Bazoum. The council has faced widespread international scrutiny and condemnation for actions that have raised concerns about governance and human rights. The former rebel leadership has accused Bazoum of treason, a charge that has intensified diplomatic sensitivity and raised questions about the rule of law and due process in the transition period.
Commentary from regional observers notes the risk of mass casualties and instability if foreign intervention steps in too aggressively. Analysts warn that such involvement could ignite a broader crisis across the Sahel, undermining development efforts and humanitarian relief in neighboring nations. The evolving situation demands careful assessment from international partners, with a focus on protecting civilians and upholding constitutional norms while offering support for a legitimate political process. In this frame, Schulze and her government in Berlin advocate for targeted diplomacy, humanitarian access, and coordinated development assistance that aligns with local needs and timelines. This approach seeks to stabilize Niger while avoiding a cycle of violence that would draw in external actors and complicate the regional security landscape.