The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that military forces from various nations within the region stand ready to enter Niger with the aim of restoring democratic governance.
Following a two-day meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, the sub-regional coalition stated its intention to address the political situation in Niger. Member states expressed political determination and readiness to contribute troops and resources for the mission, which seeks to reinstate democratic rule after the military detachment known as the presidential guard ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 of this year.
Speaking at a press conference at Burma Camp on Friday, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner in charge of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized that the goal of the operation is to restore constitutional order, rather than to engage in warfare. He underscored the commitment of member states to the mission, subject to the order of their respective Heads of State.
Dr. Musah conveyed that the Heads of State were content with the presented reports from the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff. He affirmed the readiness of troops across the region to respond promptly to the call of duty.
Meeting Context
The extraordinary two-day gathering of military leaders aimed to strategize a course of action for a potential military intervention, with the objective of reinstating democratic governance in Niger following the recent removal of President Bazoum.
In addition to Ghana hosting the meeting and Nigeria leading the group, Chiefs of Defence Staff from Liberia, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone were present. Representatives from Togo, Senegal, and The Gambia were also in attendance.
Notably absent were Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, which have faced sanctions and suspension by ECOWAS due to recent military takeovers. Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau had valid reasons for their absence.
Open Options
Dr. Musah clarified that the ECOWAS Standby Force would only initiate the military operation if the coup leaders did not choose a peaceful resolution. He noted that all options remained under consideration.
He explained that the military approach was not the preferred choice for ECOWAS. The decision was driven by the junta leaders’ reluctance to cooperate with diplomatic efforts.
While ECOWAS remained open to dialogue, Dr. Musah stressed that any engagement must yield meaningful results with the swift restoration of constitutional order. He called for the release of deposed President Bazoum, his family, and Cabinet members held captive by the coup leaders.
ECOWAS Principles
Dr. Musah emphasized that ECOWAS actions were grounded in its rules and principles. The response aimed to safeguard these principles and contribute to regional unity and development.
The Niger coup was deemed unacceptable, and ECOWAS took a stand to restore constitutional normalcy, according to Dr. Musah. He highlighted that this endeavor was driven by the desire for self-reliance and a brighter future.
Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria and Chairman of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, reiterated the group’s commitment to peace and security. Decisions reached would be submitted to the ECOWAS Commission for implementation.
Background
The Authority of Heads of State and Government tasked the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff with devising a plan for a potential military intervention to overthrow the military junta and reinstate democratic governance in Niger.
During an Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria on August 10 of this year, the Authority of Heads of State and Government directed the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and endorsed various measures to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The Authority urged the African Union and other international bodies to support ECOWAS in its efforts to promptly reinstate constitutional order in Niger.
About Niger
Niger, a landlocked nation, shares borders with neighboring countries. Its population includes various ethnic groups such as Hausa, Zarma, Songhai, Tuareg, and Fula. Niger’s economy is reliant on raw agricultural products and minerals like uranium ore.