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People of Niger began to feel the toll of travel and economic sanctions imposed by the West African bloc – ECOWAS. Prices of essential goods shot up by 100 per cent. For instance, a bag of chilli used to be sold for about 500 CFA francs, which now costs 1000 CFA francs
People of Niger began to feel the toll of travel and economic sanctions imposed by the West African bloc – ECOWAS. Prices of essential goods shot up by 100 per cent. For instance, a bag of chilli used to be sold for about 500 CFA francs, which now costs 1000 CFA francs.
Niger has a population of 25 million and is considered one of the poorest in the world. The coup leaders have rejected ECOWAS’ demand to release ousted president Mohamed Bazoum. The junta that seized power has held Bazoum, his wife and his son, under house arrest in their compound in the capital since July 26. The junta says that it has plans to prosecute Bazoum for high treason. These are crimes that can attract even the death penalty in Niger.
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Compounding the situation, the West African country is facing massive power cuts. Niger gets 90% of its electricity from its neighbour Nigeria, which has cut off some of its supply, as reported by www.trendsnafrica.com. Recently, ECOWAS ordered the deployment of a “standby” force to restore constitutional rule in Niger. Countries including Nigeria, Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast have volunteered to contribute troops. Analysts say that if the sanctions continue, it would have a heavy impact on ordinary citizens, who bear the brunt in such situations. They are only passive onlookers to the developments that are unfolding, but the people directly hit by sanctions, while perpetrators of sanctions go scout free since they are privileged lots.
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In the meantime, Niger’s military-appointed new prime minister made an unannounced visit to neighbouring Chad recently as West African states set talks for mulling possible military intervention to reverse his country’s coup. The United States and Russia urged a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The new Prime Minister Zeine arrived in Chad for a working visit, according to the Chadian government. He had brought a message of good neighbourliness and good fraternity from the head of Niger’s regime. Analysts say military intervention would be operationally risky and politically hazardous, given divisions within ECOWAS ranks and fears of worsening the Sahel’s chronic instability. President Mohamed Bazoum’s election in 2021 was a landmark in Niger’s history, ushering in the country’s first peaceful transfer of power since independence from France in 1960.
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His ousting unleashed a shock wave around West Africa, where Mali and Burkina Faso — likewise battered by a jihadist insurgency — have also suffered military takeovers. ECOWAS — the Economic Community of West African States, applied a tough roster of trade and financial sanctions, while France, Germany and the United States suspended their aid programmes.
