On Friday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reached a decision to activate their standby military force as a last resort, and they have now established a specific date referred to as ‘D-Day’ for initiating a military intervention in Niger.
As per ALJAZEERA, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, mentioned, “We are ready to go when the order is given.” He further stated that the designated D-day had been determined, and the details necessary for the intervention had been carefully discussed. This announcement came during the conclusion of a two-day assembly of West African military chiefs in Accra, Ghana.
Musah underscored that ECOWAS is committed to seeking a peaceful resolution with the military leaders of Niger. He emphasized, “We are still readying a mediation mission into the country, so we have not shut any door.”
During the Accra meeting, defense chiefs came together to finalize preparations for a potential military operation to reinstate Bazoum, in case ongoing negotiations with the coup leaders fail. Musah affirmed, “Let no one be in doubt that if everything else fails, the valiant forces of West Africa, both the military and the civilian components, are ready to answer the call of duty.”
A coup led by military officers removed Bazoum from power on July 26, and they have disregarded calls from ECOWAS, the United Nations, and the international community to reinstate him.
According to a representative from ECOWAS, the majority of the 15 member states are willing to contribute to the joint force, with the exception of Cape Verde and other countries under military rule, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Mutaru Mumuni, the executive director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism, commented to Al Jazeera that ECOWAS appears to be conveying “mixed and confusing” messages regarding the situation in Niger.
