On Thursday, West African leaders heightened their condemnation of the coup leaders in Niger, revealing plans to activate and deploy a regional standby force in order to restore the nation’s constitutional order after the recent coup.
Convening in Abuja, Nigeria after the lapse of the one-week ultimatum given to Niger’s military junta, representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged the deployment of this force “to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger,” as conveyed in a statement read by Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The exact scope and nature of this “deployment” and “activation” remain unclear. The statement underscored a commitment to maintain all options open for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Niger has plunged into a state of political turmoil since late last month when President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup orchestrated by the presidential guard. In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions and issued a one-week ultimatum to the ruling military junta, demanding their relinquishment of power or facing potential military intervention.
Despite the deadline expiring on August 6 without any change in the political landscape, ECOWAS leaders emphasized their preference for a diplomatic resolution and proposed military intervention as a last resort.
The regional bloc vowed to uphold the measures and principles agreed upon during the extraordinary summit held on July 30, 2023, during which severe sanctions were levied against Niger’s military junta.
Touray additionally cautioned about consequences for “member states that, directly or indirectly, impede the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
Mali and Burkina Faso, both led by military officials who have seized power, expressed solidarity with Niger’s junta and cautioned that any military interference would be interpreted as a declaration of war. Guinea also voiced its support for Niger.
Niger’s armed forces seemed to be gearing up for potential military action this week, as reported by a military source to CNN.
A convoy comprising approximately 40 pickup trucks arrived in the capital after nightfall on Sunday, ferrying troops from various parts of the country.