In response to the recent coup in Niger which resulted in the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the possibility of deploying its standby military force to help reinstate constitutional order.
Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian President and ECOWAS chairman, emphasized the importance of diplomatic dialogues with all parties, including the coup leaders in Niger.
He highlighted the collective commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of Niger’s citizens.
Before official discussions, Tinubu urged leaders to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue.
However, following their meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, ECOWAS maintained that the use of military intervention remains a potential solution.
The regional leaders are seeking the backing of the African Union and the United Nations in their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS president, subsequently directed military leaders to prepare the standby force for potential deployment.
Tinubu reinforced this stance, stating that all options, including the use of force as a last resort, remain under consideration.
He stressed the urgency and responsibility of the ECOWAS region to facilitate peace and democracy in Niger.
Despite these decisions, some sections of Nigeria, including its parliament, have expressed reservations about military intervention in Niger.
Meanwhile, leaders of the coup in Niger have shown resistance to international mediation and have proceeded to establish their own government, dismissing ECOWAS’s stance.