In an effort to address the ongoing political crisis in Niger, West African defense leaders, operating under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have taken steps toward a possible military intervention.
The decision was reached during a two-day summit held in Ghana, where ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, discussed the potential for a “D-Day” – the designated date for military action in Niger should diplomatic negotiations fail to yield a resolution.
While the exact date of the intervention remains undisclosed, the focus of the summit primarily revolved around the logistical and strategic aspects of a potential military operation in Niger.
It was emphasized that military intervention would only be considered as a last resort after all diplomatic avenues had been exhausted.
During the summit, ECOWAS troops expressed their readiness to join a standby force that aims to reinstate democracy in Niger. This comes in response to a recent coup that resulted in the detainment of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Notably, all member countries of ECOWAS, with the exception of those under military rule and Cape Verde, have expressed support for the standby force initiative.
At the conclusion of the two-day meeting, Musah, speaking at the closing ceremony, stated, “We are ready to go anytime the order is given. The D-Day is also decided.
We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention.” However, Musah also highlighted that ECOWAS was still actively seeking peaceful engagement with the junta, indicating a willingness to pursue mediation efforts.
The political turmoil in Niger began when President Muhammed Bazoum was arrested by officers of the Presidential Guard on July 26.
In response, ECOWAS, led by Nigerian leader Tinubu, imposed sanctions on the military personnel involved and issued a one-week ultimatum for the restoration of President Bazoum to office.
Alongside this ultimatum, ECOWAS suspended financial transactions with Niger and froze various service transactions, including energy-related activities.
Despite these efforts, a three-man delegation sent by ECOWAS to Niger on August 3 to mediate the crisis was unsuccessful in resolving the impasse.
As the one-week ultimatum lapsed, West African leaders convened again on August 10 and authorized the deployment of a “standby force” with the goal of reinstating the elected President Bazoum and restoring constitutional order in Niger.
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