Troops belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed their preparedness to engage in a standby force operation that could potentially intervene in Niger.
This stance comes in the wake of a seizure of power by presidential guards from President Mohamed Bazoum. Following this event, ECOWAS issued a 7-day ultimatum to the military, demanding the restoration of President Bazoum or face potential sanctions, which could include the option of military intervention.
However, the junta that took control of power dismissed ECOWAS’ warning and made a pledge to resist any form of foreign interference. In response, the regional bloc requested the Defence Chiefs from its 15-member states to activate the standby force.
During a gathering in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Thursday, the Defence Chiefs announced their readiness to reinstate civil rule in Niger. Al Jazeera reported that all member states, with the exception of those under military rule and Cape Verde, pledged their willingness to participate in the standby force.
Quoting ECOWAS commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah, the medium revealed this commitment. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, was also quoted as saying, “Democracy is our guiding principle, and it is what we advocate for,” further emphasizing the proactive approach of the gathering to ensure peace and stability.
However, it’s worth noting that Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which have witnessed multiple coups since 2020, cautioned against any military intervention in Niger. They warned that such action would be considered an act of war, highlighting a division within the region between coastal countries and those in the volatile Sahel.
