The military junta in Niger Republic finds itself in a challenging predicament as plans to release ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, Khadija, are confirmed by multiple sources.
Despite the agreement, Bazoum insists on remaining within Niger, backed by France's President Emmanuel Macron and Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu. The junta's biggest dilemma lies in balancing Bazoum's release within Niger while avoiding potential protests and maintaining control over the political narrative. The sources reveal that Bazoum's release, anticipated before Ramadan, is a homegrown plan, distancing from French or ECOWAS influence.
The junta fears potential challenges to their authority and a divided stance between liberals and hardliners within the ruling military council. The possibility of Bazoum remaining under house arrest and its implications for dissent within the junta raises questions about the future political landscape in Niger.
As the junta grapples with this complex decision, the international community watches closely, with ECOWAS having previously lifted most sanctions on Niger, emphasizing the delicate diplomatic situation in the region.
