ECOWAS threatens invasion of Niger if diplomacy falters

The  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stated that it might take military action to intervene in Niger Republic if attempts to undo the recent coup in the country are unsuccessful. This announcement was made in Accra, Ghana.

Meanwhile, the German government has expressed its backing for the European Union’s sanctions imposed on the military junta in Niger. It’s worth noting that during ECOWAS’ recent summit in Abuja, the heads of state activated their standing military force as a potential response if the junta in Niger does not reinstate the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Defense chiefs from ECOWAS member states convened in the capital of Ghana to devise strategies regarding Niger and to discuss the standby military force in place. The meeting is ongoing. ECOWAS emphasized that if diplomatic efforts fail, the capable West African forces are prepared to take action to reinstate constitutional order in Niger. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, cited past deployments in Sierra Leone and Liberia to demonstrate the organization’s readiness for military intervention. He dismissed claims of manipulation by external powers and asserted that ECOWAS is governed by its protocols and norms. Musah stated that if necessary, ECOWAS is willing to enter Niger with its own forces and resources to restore constitutional order, welcoming support from democracy-promoting partners.