Republished with full copyright permissions from The Washington Daily Chronicle.

Niger’s recent military coup, West African nations have united in their demand for the reinstatement of the democratically elected president, warning of potential intervention if their demands are not met. As Niger’s political situation hangs in the balance, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for immediate actions to restore constitutional order.

Following an emergency meeting in Nigeria, ECOWAS announced a strict one-week deadline for the coup leaders to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power. Failure to comply would prompt the bloc to take necessary measures, including the possible use of force, in order to reinstate constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

To exert pressure, ECOWAS has imposed economic sanctions that include the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between member states and Niger, along with the freezing of assets in regional central banks. While these measures aim to target the ruling authorities, they also pose a significant impact on Nigeriens, who already live in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Niger relies heavily on imports from neighboring Nigeria, especially for up to 90% of its power supply, as per figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency. The imposed embargo and closed borders obstruct the aid and trade that Niger greatly depends on. Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou warns that the country, heavily reliant on the international community, urgently needs to find a solution to avoid disastrous consequences.

ECOWAS has previously played a vital role in restoring democratic governance in West and Central African nations. However, the success rate, unfortunately, remains low. Currently, four nations in the region are governed by military regimes. Since 2020, there have been nine successful or attempted coups, exposing the fragile state of democracy in the region.

While the threat of military intervention remains a possibility, experts believe that economic sanctions are more likely due to the potential violence that could unfold from a confrontational approach. The consequences of such an intervention on civilians would be catastrophic, leading to heightened tensions between Nigeriens and ECOWAS forces, as well as among factions supporting or opposing the coup.

Since taking power, the military junta has already begun curbing government activities and civil liberties. A ban on social media usage has been implemented alongside the demand for all government cars to be returned promptly. Claiming that President Bazoum’s administration authorized French intervention, the junta’s spokesperson made several accusations. However, these allegations have yet to be verified.

In anticipation of ECOWAS’s decision, pro-junta supporters rallied in the capital, Niamey, expressing their resentment towards former colonial ruler France, while waving Russian flags. The involvement of Russia in these demonstrations remains unclear. However, it is evident that some protesters view Moscow as an influential alternative. Amidst this tension, the international community is urged to tread cautiously.

Niger’s coup crisis has escalated rapidly, prompting West African nations to act decisively. With ECOWAS issuing an ultimatum, the fate of Niger’s democracy hangs in the balance. While the threat of military intervention looms, the potential ramifications on civilian lives necessitate a cautious approach. Economic sanctions pose a significant challenge for a country already grappling with poverty and heavy reliance on international support. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift restoration of democratic governance in Niger while striving to avoid further turmoil.