In a resolute stance, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced from Accra, Ghana, that it will not hesitate to take military action in Niger Republic should all peaceful efforts fail to reverse the recent coup in the country. This development coincides with the German government expressing support for the European Union’s sanctions imposed on the military junta in Niger.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the second extraordinary summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, the activation of the standing force was agreed upon as a contingency if the Niger junta refuses to reinstate the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum….CONTINUE READING

Amid discussions in Accra amongst defense chiefs of member states to strategize on the Niger situation and outline the standby force’s specifics, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, asserted that if all else fails, West Africa’s resolute forces are prepared to intervene and reinstate constitutional order in Niger.

Musah emphasized that past deployments in countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia demonstrate ECOWAS’s readiness for military action.

Musah addressed concerns of ECOWAS being influenced by external powers, emphasizing that the organization operates based on its own protocols and norms.

He debunked the notion that ECOWAS is manipulated by France or others. Musah further underscored that if necessary, ECOWAS will deploy its own forces, equipment, and resources to restore constitutional order in Niger, while welcoming support from democracy-loving partners.

While most of ECOWAS’s member states are prepared to participate in the standby force for a potential intervention in Niger, certain exceptions include Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde, all under military rule.

The commissioner criticized the Niger coup leaders for evading dialogue with ECOWAS envoys and for seeking justifications for their seizure of power. Additionally, he raised concerns about the junta’s announcement to put the detained Bazoum on trial for treason, which the United Nations, European Union, and ECOWAS have all expressed concerns about.

Niger’s strategic significance, beyond West Africa, is highlighted by its role as a hub for foreign troops engaged in combating Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region, as well as its substantial uranium and oil reserves.