ECOWAS intervention in Niger as last resort

author: FutureCar Staff    

The West African bloc ECOWAS is prepared to take military action in Niger if diplomatic efforts to reverse the coup fail, according to a senior official. The military officers in Niger overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have ignored calls from the United Nations, ECOWAS, and Western powers to reinstate him. In response, West African heads of state have ordered the assembly of a stand-by force. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, stated that if all else fails, the forces of West Africa are ready to restore constitutional order in Niger. He cited previous ECOWAS deployments in Gambia, Liberia, and other countries as examples of their readiness.

Niger's strategic importance extends beyond West Africa due to its role as a hub for foreign troops fighting against Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region, as well as its uranium and oil reserves. Western countries are concerned that the junta in Niger may follow the footsteps of neighboring Mali, where the military government expelled French troops and instead invited mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group. The group has expressed support for the coup in Niger. In Niger's capital, Niamey, residents have rejected the idea of outside intervention to reinstate the elected president and civilian government, with some accusing ECOWAS of being manipulated by foreign powers.

France, Niger's former colonial ruler, has denied the junta's allegations that it is seeking to destabilize the country or violating its airspace. France has expressed support for ECOWAS' efforts to restore constitutional order. French, US, German, and Italian forces are present in Niger as part of international efforts to combat Islamist insurgents. ECOWAS Commissioner Musah dismissed the accusation that ECOWAS is being manipulated by France or any other external power, emphasizing that ECOWAS operates based on rules, protocols, and norms. He stated that if necessary, ECOWAS is prepared to enter Niger with its own contingents, equipment, and resources to restore constitutional order.

Mr. Musah accused the Niger coup leaders of evading ECOWAS by refusing to meet with its envoys and seeking justifications for their seizure of power. He mentioned that most of ECOWAS' member states are willing to participate in the stand-by force that could intervene in Niger, with the exceptions being Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde, which are also under military rule.

-Reuters

FutureCar Staff