During a keynote at the national ambassadors conference, the French president reaffirmed Paris’s willingness to back ECOWAS in its efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger, including the possibility of military measures if they are accompanied by diplomacy and a clear political path, regional observers say. The emphasis was on sustaining diplomatic channels and the evolving role of international partners in Niger’s crisis, as reported by regional media outlets.
Macron highlighted the ongoing work of French diplomats in Niger, noting that their presence persists even as rebels seized power and as some French staff reportedly began to depart the country. The president underscored continuity in diplomatic engagement and the importance of stable channels for dialogue, a stance echoed by allied governments monitoring the situation in West Africa, according to regional media reports.
Earlier, the rebel leadership asserted that neighboring states, including Mali and Burkina Faso, would deploy defense forces into Niger should the country face any external aggression. Niger’s foreign ministry clarified that foreign ministers welcomed the decree associated with this policy, signaling a coordinated regional stance amid the escalating crisis, as described in regional media coverage.
On July 26, Niger faced a dramatic turn when President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife were detained by his own bodyguards. The military seized control of government operations and imposed a curfew, throwing the country into a period of political uncertainty and raising questions about the future constitutional framework, as observed by regional media observers.
The former rebel leadership warned that foreign intervention could trigger significant bloodshed, underscoring the potential for a volatile regional dynamic. Analysts note that Niger’s trajectory depends on the balance between regional diplomacy, security assurances, and the resilience of Niger’s institutions, a narrative echoed by regional media commentaries.