Most ECOWAS member countries have shown a willingness to engage in possible military action to reinstate constitutional order in Niger, as stated by Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Matters, Peace, and Security.
Musah revealed that all nations, apart from those under military rule (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea-Conakry) and a smaller nation (Cape Verde), are poised to partake in any potential military action.
This information was disclosed on the sidelines of a two-day summit of ECOWAS military chiefs in Accra, Ghana’s capital.
This meeting marks the second time ECOWAS military leaders have convened to strategize using force to address Niger’s predicament following the July 26 coup.
Musah emphasized that consistent coups without a strong counteraction shouldn’t be tolerated indefinitely.
Post the August 10 directive by ECOWAS heads, signaling the “activation” of the organization’s “standby force,” the emphasis on continued dialogue to navigate the crisis remains evident.
Military heads from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Gambia attended the meeting.
Counterparts from Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau were absent. Niger, along with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea-Conakry (countries that recently experienced coups), did not partake and have expressed their opposition to force.
To date, Niamey’s military junta has disregarded threats. After appointing a new prime minister and forming a transitional government, they’ve bolstered their military and shut their airspace.
They’ve warned of an “immediate” and “forceful” reaction if confronted with external military force.
On July 26, Niger’s coup was led by the self-proclaimed National Council for the Defense of the Homeland (CNSP), ousting President Mohamed Bazoum and suspending the constitution.
Thus, Niger joined the list of West African countries governed by a military regime.
Yesterday, the African Union (AU) expressed opposition to military intervention in Niger and is expected to announce its stance soon formally.
Differing from the approach of ECOWAS, the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC), responsible for such matters, recently held an extensive meeting discussing the situation in Niger.