We are ready to take military action in Niger Republic if diplomacy fails – ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced its preparedness to take military action in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy in the country fail.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, made the declaration during a gathering of West African defense chiefs in Ghana.
In a statement, Musah emphasized that the valiant forces of West Africa stand ready to answer the call of duty. He added, “By all means available, we will ensure that constitutional order is restored in the country.” As ECOWAS continues to make preparations for possible intervention, there are indications that members of the ruling military junta may be relocating their families to Dubai and Burkina Faso for safety.
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Support for ECOWAS’ actions thus far has come from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) in Nigeria, which stands with both the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS in addressing the political situation in Niger. However, only member states of ECOWAS, excluding those under military rule and Cape Verde, have expressed readiness to participate in the standby force.
The meeting in Accra, Ghana, to discuss Niger’s crisis took place after the August 6 deadline for the mutinous soldiers to release and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Failure to comply with the deadline would result in military intervention by ECOWAS. Bazoum and his family remain under house arrest in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
While ECOWAS has carefully considered the use of force as a last resort, dissenting voices from Burkina Faso and Mali, which have witnessed multiple coups in recent years, warn that any military intervention in Niger would be seen as an act of war.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council met to consider its support for military intervention, and although a final decision has yet to be made public, it holds the power to overrule ECOWAS if it deems that broader stability on the continent is at stake.
Recent reports suggest that members of the Niger junta have evacuated their families to Burkina Faso and Dubai amid the looming threat of ECOWAS’ invasion. Gulfstream G550 jets were reportedly used in this operation, which took place at Agadez Airport. Observers question the motives behind General Tchiani’s actions, speculating that he prioritizes the safety of his own family Members of Niger Junta evacuate families as ECOWAS threat looms.
In light of the imminent threat of ECOWAS’ intervention in Niger, recent reports indicate that members of the ruling military junta have evacuated their families to Burkina Faso and Dubai.
The operation reportedly took place at Agadez Airport, with Gulfstream G550 jets being utilized.