Nigeriens are preparing for war against regional countries threatening to invade, three weeks after mutinous soldiers ousted the nation's democratically elected president. Residents in the capital, Niamey, are calling for the mass recruitment of volunteers to assist the army in the face of a growing threat by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which says it will use military force if the junta doesn't reinstate the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS has activated a standby force" to restore order in Niger after the junta ignored a deadline to reinstate and release Bazoum. The initiative, spearhead by a group of locals in Niamey, aims to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country to register for the Volunteers for the Defence of Niger, to fight, assist with medical care, and provide technical and engineering logistics among other functions, in case the junta needs help, Amsarou Bako, one of the founders, told The Associated Press Tuesday. "It's an ...
The State Department also affirmed its support towards Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in achieving the stated objectives
Niger's mutinous soldiers say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for high treason and undermining state security, hours after they said they were open to dialogue with West African nations to resolve the mounting regional crisis. The announcement on state television on Sunday night, by spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane, said the military regime had gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute before competent national and international authorities the ousted president and his local and foreign accomplices for high treason and for undermining the internal and external security of Niger. Bazoum, Niger's democratically elected president, was ousted by members of his presidential guard on July 26 and has since been under house arrest with his wife and son in the presidential compound in the capital, Niamey. People close to the president as well as those in his ruling party say their electricity and water have been cut off and they're running out of food. The junta .
India on Friday advised its nationals residing in violence-hit Niger to leave that country as soon as possible in view of escalating violence there. At present, around 250 Indians are living in Niger that has witnessed widespread protests and violence following last month's coup, according to officials. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said those who may be planning to travel to Niger should reconsider their plans until the situation normalises. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing that India is closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Niger. "In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible," he said. "They may bear in mind that air space is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security," he added, reading out the advisory. "All those Indian natio
The central government is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger, said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Friday