Niger Coup: Why Nigerian Senators Rejected Tinubu’s Request for Troops Deployment

The recent coup in Niger has thrown the country into turmoil and put the regional stability at risk. The coup leaders, who are members of the presidential guard, have refused to heed the ultimatum given by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore the constitutional order and release the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

In response to this crisis, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has sought the approval of the Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger as part of an ECOWAS force to intervene and reinstate Bazoum. However, his request was met with strong opposition and rejection by the senators at an executive session on Saturday.

What are the reasons behind the senators’ decision?

What are the implications for Nigeria and Niger?

And what are the possible alternatives to military action?

In this article, we will explore these questions and provide some insights into the complex situation in Niger and its neighboring countries.

How Niger Coup Shook Africa: The Inside Story of a Democracy Betrayed

The Niger Coup: A Brief Overview

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a population of about 24 million people. It is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, desertification, food insecurity and terrorism.

Niger has a history of political instability and military coups. Since its independence from France in 1960, it has experienced seven coups⁵. The latest one occurred on 26 July 2023, when a group of soldiers from the presidential guard stormed the presidential palace and detained President Bazoum and some of his cabinet members.

The coup leaders announced that they had suspended the constitution and dissolved the government and parliament. They also declared themselves as the National Committee for Restoration of Democracy and State (CNRDS) and appointed General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the head of state.

The CNRDS claimed that they acted to save Niger from “the gradual and inevitable demise” caused by “bad governance, corruption, nepotism, insecurity and social injustice”. They also accused Bazoum of rigging the presidential election in February 2021, which he won with 55.75% of the votes against former president Mahamane Ousmane, who got 44.25%.

The coup was condemned by the international community, especially by ECOWAS, which is a regional bloc of 15 West African countries. ECOWAS has a zero-tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes of government and has intervened in several cases of coups or political crises in the region.

ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja on 30 July and issued a statement demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of Bazoum and his government. They also gave the CNRDS a seven-day deadline to comply or face possible sanctions and military intervention. They also imposed travel bans and asset freezes on the coup leaders and their associates.

Nigeria’s Role in ECOWAS Intervention

Nigeria is the most populous and powerful country in West Africa. It is also a founding member and a key player in ECOWAS. Nigeria has a strong interest in maintaining peace and stability in Niger, which is its northern neighbor and a major trading partner.

Nigeria also provides electricity to Niger through a bilateral agreement that allows Niger to import up to 80 megawatts of power from Nigeria’s national grid. Nigeria also hosts thousands of refugees from Niger who have fled from violence and insecurity caused by various armed groups operating in the region.

In line with its commitment to ECOWAS principles and objectives, Nigeria has expressed its solidarity with Bazoum and his government. President Tinubu has condemned the coup as “unacceptable” and “a setback for democracy” in Niger. He has also called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis.

However, as the deadline given by ECOWAS approached without any sign of compliance from the CNRDS, President Tinubu decided to seek the authorization of the Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger as part of an ECOWAS force to restore constitutional order.

According to Section 5 (4) of the Nigerian Constitution, the president can only deploy troops outside Nigeria with prior approval from both chambers of the National Assembly. Therefore, President Tinubu wrote a letter to Senate President Goodswill Akpabio on Friday requesting permission to send Nigerian soldiers to Niger.

Why Senators Rejected Tinubu’s Request

President Tinubu’s request was discussed by the senators at an executive session on Saturday. However, the request was rejected by a majority of the senators, who cited various reasons for their decision.

According to a senator who attended the meeting, some of the reasons given by the senators were:

– The lack of preparedness and capacity of the Nigerian military to engage in another foreign intervention, given the existing security challenges in the country, such as Boko Haram, banditry and secessionist movements.

– The potential risks and costs of a military action in Niger, such as casualties, backlash, escalation and retaliation from the coup leaders and their allies.

– The need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Niger and to avoid interfering in its internal affairs.

– The preference for a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the crisis, through dialogue and negotiation with the coup leaders and other stakeholders in Niger.

– The importance of maintaining good relations and cooperation with Niger, which is a strategic partner and ally of Nigeria in the region.

The senators also agreed to pass a resolution condemning the coup and commending ECOWAS leaders for their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger. They also urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation with the CNRDS by sending a high-powered delegation to Niamey.

They suggested that some elder statesmen, such as former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalam Abubakar and General Ali Gusau, should be sent as special envoys to dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution.

Senate President Akpabio reportedly appealed to the senators to endorse the steps taken by President Tinubu so far, but they vehemently rejected his appeal. The Senate has now returned to plenary where they are expected to pass a resolution on the issue.

What are the Alternatives to Military Action?

The rejection of President Tinubu’s request by the Senate does not mean that Nigeria has abandoned its role and responsibility in ECOWAS intervention in Niger. Rather, it means that Nigeria is exploring other options and avenues to resolve the crisis without resorting to force.

Some of the alternatives to military action that Nigeria and ECOWAS can pursue are:

– Continue to exert pressure on the CNRDS through diplomatic channels, such as mediation, dialogue, persuasion and incentives.

– Maintain and tighten the sanctions on the coup leaders and their associates, such as travel bans, asset freezes, suspension from ECOWAS institutions and programs, and cutting off trade and aid.

– Mobilize and coordinate with other regional and international actors, such as the African Union, the United Nations, France, the United States and China, to isolate and condemn the CNRDS and support Bazoum and his government.

– Support and empower civil society organizations, political parties, religious groups and other stakeholders in Niger who are opposed to the coup and demand a return to democracy.

– Monitor and prevent any external interference or support for the CNRDS from other countries or groups that may have vested interests or agendas in Niger.

– Prepare for a possible humanitarian crisis in Niger, especially if violence escalates or if there is a mass exodus of refugees. Provide humanitarian assistance and protection to Nigeriens in need.

What You Should Know

The coup in Niger is a serious threat to democracy and stability in West Africa. It requires a swift and decisive response from ECOWAS and its member states. Nigeria, as a regional leader and a key partner of Niger, has a vital role to play in this response.

However, Nigeria’s role does not necessarily have to involve military action. There are other ways to deal with the crisis that are more effective, less risky and more respectful of Niger’s sovereignty. These include diplomacy, sanctions, coordination, support and humanitarian assistance.

Nigeria’s Senate has rejected President Tinubu’s request for troops deployment to Niger as part of an ECOWAS force. This does not mean that Nigeria has abandoned its commitment to ECOWAS principles and objectives. Rather