On the Brink of Deadline for Coup Plotters; France Supports ECOWAS Efforts to Neutralize Niger's Military Coup

Catherine Colonna, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced after meeting with Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou that France supports efforts to neutralize the military coup in Niger. According to Politico, the French Foreign Ministry stated in a release by Catherine Colonna that a group of 15 West African countries has given the coup plotters until Sunday to step down from power, saying: "France firmly supports ECOWAS's efforts to neutralize this coup." The statement also noted that with the continued activities of the coup plotters, "the future of Niger and the stability of the entire region are at risk." In an interview with Radio France Internationale, the French Foreign Minister said: "The coup plotters have until Sunday to abandon these personal adventures and restore democracy. Niger, which has democratically elected its president, must return to constitutional order, and the will of the people of Niger must be respected." According to an analyst, as the ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for military intervention approaches, the coup plotters in Niger have requested assistance from the Russian Wagner Group. Waseem Nasr, a journalist and senior researcher at the Soufan Center, told the Associated Press that this request was made during a visit by General Salifou Mody, the leader of the coup plotters, to neighboring Mali. He stated that three financial sources and one French diplomatic source confirmed this meeting. Waseem Nasr said: "They need (Wagner) because it would guarantee their hold on power." He also added: "This group (Wagner) is considering this request." The federal government of Canada also announced that in response to the coup in Niger, it is halting direct development assistance to the government of that country. Reuters reported that Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated: "Canada stands with the international community and expresses its support for ECOWAS's mediation efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger." She added: "The democratically elected government must be restored immediately." The statement noted that the decision to halt assistance includes direct financial support from Canada to the Nigerien government. The chiefs of staff of the armed forces of ECOWAS member states had previously announced an "ultimatum" for the coup plotters, stating that they are prepared for military intervention if Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted president of Niger, does not return to his position. Mohamed Bazoum, Niger's democratically elected president, and his government were overthrown in a military coup on July 26, marking the seventh military takeover in less than three years in West and Central Africa. Colonel Ahmedou Abdramane: France, in collusion with some people in Niger, has explored military intervention options. The United States is halting part of its aid programs to the Nigerien government. West African leaders are planning for possible military intervention in Niger. Amid continued anti-Western propaganda from the military government in Niger, hundreds protested against France. Joe Biden called for the "immediate release" of Niger's president. France has begun the evacuation of French and European nationals from Niger.