WEST AFRICAN leaders have reportedly approved military intervention in Niger, following a military coup in the country in July.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a powerful regional bloc,  approved the use of standby forces, at a meeting held yesterday (August 10).

The economic union of ECOWAS is made up of 15 member states, including eight French-speaking countries.

Instability

Mali and Guinea were both suspended from the bloc in 2021, following coups by armed forces in both countries. While the bloc is primarily an economic union, ECOWAS also operates a peacekeeping force with the capacity for military intervention during times of instability.

Although the ‘standby’ force has now been greenlighted, Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu, hinted that the option was a “last resort”.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort. If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us.”

While the exact size of any military force sent to Niger is yet unknown, Ivory Coast’s president Alassane Ouattara suggested he could commit up to 1,100 men. There is also the possibility that a similar sized deployment from Benin and Nigeria could arrive in Niger.

One of the meeting resolutions spoke of using ‘peaceful means’ to restore stability and order.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken voiced his support for ECOWAS, speaking of the “imperative of a return to constitutional order”, but stopped short of backing an all-out military intervention.

ECOWAS’ Security Commissioner, Abdel Musah, said that the military junta will not be permitted to remain in power during any transitional period, as was the case previously in both Mali and Burkina Faso.  He also said that the junta was unwilling to negotiate or communicate with the bloc.

Ultimatum

The Niger coup leaders announced a new cabinet last week, ignoring a deadline and ultimatum to restore the government to power by Sunday.  President Mohamed Bazoum, remains under house arrest amid concerns for his health.

Bazoum, who is said to be in lockdown at the Presidential Palace with his family, has not been publicly seen since the coup took place and is said to be refusing to resign his position.

Western leaders have claimed that the junta threatened to kill Bazoum in the event of any military intervention taking place in Niger.

[voice-online]