ACCRA, Ghana – The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has signaled a strong intent to intervene militarily in Niger if the nation’s democratic order isn’t quickly restored, following last month’s coup that toppled its elected leader.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security, after an intensive two-day conference on Friday, August 18, 2023, with West African defense chiefs in Ghana’s capital, Accra, revealed that military forces were on standby and could be deployed to Niger at a moment’s notice.
“The D-day is also decided, which we will not disclose,” Musah shared with the press.
This bold move follows the recent “activation” of a regional standby force by ECOWAS, in response to the military junta’s forceful takeover on July 26.
Musah emphasized the bloc’s main objective: “the restoration of the constitutional order in the shortest possible time.” He added, “We are not going to engage in endless dialogue. It must be fruitful.”
Echoing the sentiments of many international observers, Musah also reiterated the demand for the immediate release of Niger’s legally elected leader, President Mohamed Bazoum.
The president and his family have been under house arrest since the coup, with the junta justifying their actions by accusing him of “high treason.”
Located in the Sahel, Niger was a beacon of hope for democracy in the region. Bazoum’s 2021 electoral victory had marked a tranquil transition of power, a refreshing change in a nation with a history marred by military coups post its 1960 independence from France.
ECOWAS leaders swiftly reacted to the coup, imposing sanctions and delivering an unequivocal message to the junta: relinquish power within a week or be prepared for potential military intervention.
“That is why we say all options are on the table. Suppose they [the junta] want to take the peaceful pathway to the restoration of constitutional order in the country. In that case, we can stand down the military option because it is not our preferred option,” expressed Musah.
Highlighting the urgency and finality of their stance, Musah declared, “the coup in Niger is one coup too many,” signaling the end of further ECOWAS defense meetings on the matter.
“We are putting a stop to it at this time,” he concluded, reflecting the bloc’s determination to curb the recurring cycle of military takeovers in the region.
