STORY: How will military coup in Niger spill over to West Africa?
DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:55
LOCATION: Niamey
CATEGORY: POLITICS
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey
2. various of ECOWAS heads of state at an emergency meeting held in the Nigerian capital Abuja
3. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing
4. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey
5. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHANE DUJARRIC, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHERIFF GHALI, Expert on international relations at the University of Abuja in Nigeria
7. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing
8. various of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the press briefing
9. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
10. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): MUSA CHRISTOPHER, Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff
11. various of street views in Niamey
 
STORYLINE:
 
Leaders of West African countries are expected to meet on Thursday in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to discuss how to respond to a military coup in Niger, after their deadline to reinstate the ousted president or face a possible military intervention was defied by Niger's junta.
 
The military in Niger detained President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Later, they established a governing body named the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
 
Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of the country's presidential guard, was chosen as the head.
 
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a political and economic group of 15 countries, announced an ultimatum and threatened the use of force to "restore constitutional order" in Niger if the junta failed to comply.
 
However, the CNSP refused to back down when the deadline expired on Sunday. Leaders of the ECOWAS countries are expected to meet on Thursday in Abuja on the crisis.
 
The coup, the third of its kind in West Africa in three years, has drawn global condemnation.
 
Many African countries view the unconstitutional change of power as a threat to stability and development in the continent.
 
The international community fears that instability in the Sahel region would breed extremism.
 
The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis in the region.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHANE DUJARRIC, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General
"Humanitarian operations are currently on hold given the situation. As you know, Niger is already facing a complex humanitarian situation. Violence by armed groups, both in the country and its neighbors, has increased our concerns over civilian protection and has also aggravated food insecurity. There are currently 4.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger. By comparison, that number was 1.9 million in 2017."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHERIFF GHALI, Expert on international relations at the University of Abuja in Nigeria
"This is going to affect West African economic integration. Why? Because you are seeing the military gradually taking over power from the civilian government. We are going to be divided. And when we get divided, we're going to be more balkanized and more polarized, continentally controlled by the so-called powers. If a stop is not actually created, put on the coup plotting situation in Niger, it will serve as an incentive to the military juntas and military officers to continue to take over the mantle of leadership in Africa. And secondly, that will also show how weak ECOWAS has become. So the only way or manner we can actually deal with regional conflict and insecurity is through a concerted effort."
 
In light of the dire consequences of military intervention, regional countries and the international community are seeking political solutions to the Niger crisis.
 
The UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council have condemned the military coup, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the president, and continued efforts to restore order in Niger at an early date.
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (French): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
"I want to speak directly to those detaining him: release President Bazoum immediately and unconditionally. Stop obstructing the democratic governance of the country and respect the rule of law."
 
SOUNDBITE 4 (English): CHRISTOPHER MUSA, Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff
"We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Niamey.
(XHTV)