Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reached a consensus on a comprehensive plan for potential military intervention in Niger, should the country's military junta fail to restore civilian rule by the impending August 6 deadline. This decision comes in response to the recent coup that deposed elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
The West African military chiefs convened in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, on August 4 to formulate a strategy for potential intervention. While ECOWAS remains resolute in its determination to take action, specific details regarding the timing and location of any military strike remain classified and will be determined by the heads of state, according to Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS' Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
"We are determined to stop it, but ECOWAS is not going to tell the coup plotters when and where we are going to strike. That is an operational decision that will be taken by the heads of state," explained Abdel-Fatau Musah,
ECOWAS granted the military junta a one-week ultimatum last July 30 to reinstate president Bazoum or face the possibility of a forceful intervention. Notably, president Bazoum remains in captivity under the junta's control, prompting international concern and condemnation.
Efforts at mediation by ECOWAS envoys in Niamey, Niger's capital, proved unfruitful when the delegation departed on August 3 without a meeting with coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani. General Tiani, a former head of the presidential guard, is a central figure in the coup that toppled president Bazoum.
While there exists some degree of support for the coup within Niger, the extent of this backing remains uncertain. Rallies backing the military takeover have been relatively limited in size, suggesting that the coup does not enjoy widespread public support.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over what it labeled as "authoritarian repression" being enforced in Niger. The international community's condemnation of the coup reflects growing concerns over the stability and democratic governance in the Sahel region.
Niger's junta has vehemently vowed to respond swiftly to any foreign intervention. President Bazoum and his family are currently being held at his official residence in Niamey, with his captors asserting their control over the situation.
https://twitter.com/daryoeng/status/1684619879238823936Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military rule, have warned that any intervention in Niger would be interpreted as a declaration of war against them.
Nigeria, currently holding the chairmanship of ECOWAS, is taking an uncompromising stance against coup plotters in the wake of the Niger coup. The events in Niger mark the latest instance of political instability in the Sahel region since 2020, underscoring the need for regional cooperation to restore and maintain democratic governance.
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