China expresses hopes for a political resolution in Niger

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Aug 2023 00:08

China calls on all relevant parties in Niger to restore normal order as soon as possible.

Supporters of Niger's ruling junta gather at the start of a protest called to fight for the country's freedom and push back against foreign interference in Niamey, Niger, August 3, 2023 (AP)

Commenting on the coup that happened in Niger last week and the geopolitical complications it brought about, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it believes that Niger and other regional countries have the wisdom and capability to find a "political resolution".

"We believe that Niger and regional countries have the wisdom and capability to find a political resolution to the current situation," China's Foreign Ministry said in a written statement to Reuters.

Furthermore, the Ministry called on all "relevant parties" to "restore normal order as soon possible."

"President Bazoum is a friend of China, it is hoped that his personal safety is guaranteed and that relevant parties in Niger peacefully manage differences through dialogue with the fundamental interests of the nation and the people as a starting point," the Ministry said.

"The foreign ministry and China's embassy in Niger will continue to maintain close communication with Chinese nationals and institutions in Niger, provide timely consular protection and assistance, and use all powers to uphold the safety of (Chinese) people and assets," the statement said.

On July 26, the Nigerien presidential guard overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

On Sunday, ECOWAS gave Niger's coup leaders one week to reinstate Bazoum or threatened to use "all measures", including military, to restore order in the African nation.

Moreover, ECOWAS suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze the assets of the coup leaders, their families, and supporters, and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.

Yesterday, military chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The extraordinary meeting is set to last until Friday. The goal of the meeting reportedly is to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.

Correspondingly, military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in their country, stressing that they will "resolutely defend their homeland."

The interim governments of Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.

Originally the ECOWAS bloc consisted of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

But many countries have witnessed coups causing them to defect from the Western-sponsored bloc, the latest of which is Niger.