Brazilian president rejects military intervention as solution to Niger crisis

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected military intervention in Niger following a coup on July 26, leading ECOWAS to contemplate force if the junta doesn’t reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.

During a press conference in Luanda, Lula expressed that he does not see a military solution to the Niger crisis and emphasized diplomacy.

Although the possibility of military intervention has been discussed since July 30, it has caused division among the ECOWAS members.

Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Senegal have indicated readiness to send their armies, while Mali and Burkina Faso, governed by military juntas, consider this as a war declaration against them.

The EU backs the ECOWAS sanctions and measures against the Niger coup.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, in a statement, expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would render military force unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Niger’s Army Chief, Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, appointed by the junta, declared a “high alert” status for the entire army and asked all subordinates to report “any hostile action” in their regions.

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