Just In : West African Military Leaders Reach Agreement Over Niger Coup (DETAILS)
Military leaders from several West African countries have developed a plan for a potential intervention in Niger as a deadline approaches for the country’s junta to restore civilian rule
This plan was agreed upon during an extraordinary summit of the regional bloc ECOWAS in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
On 30 July, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a one-week ultimatum to the junta, which had toppled elected President Mohamed Bazoum in a recent coup, to restore him to power or face the possibility of military force.
Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of ECOWAS, stated that the chiefs of defence staff and their teams have worked diligently to create a concept of operation for a potential military intervention in Niger.
The aim is to restore constitutional order and secure the release of the detained President. The plan includes details such as timing, required resources, and the deployment strategy.
Nigeria, the current chair of ECOWAS, is taking a firm stance against coup plotters following the recent military takeover in Niger, which is the latest in a series of coups affecting Africa’s Sahel region since 2020.
The specific details of the intervention, such as the timing and location, will be decided by the Heads of State and kept confidential. ECOWAS is keen on diplomacy, and it wants to send a clear message to the leaders of the Junta in Niger, providing them with an opportunity to reverse their actions peacefully.
The junta in Niger has vowed to respond immediately to any foreign intervention and has been holding President Bazoum and his family at his official residence in Niamey for nine days.
Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, both ruled by military governments, have expressed their concerns, stating that an intervention in Niger would be seen as a declaration of war against them
