ECOWAS delegation arrives in Niger
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An ECOWAS delegation arrived in the capital of Niger, Niamey, AFP reports, citing sources.
“A West African delegation arrived in Niamey to attempt a new diplomatic mediation with the military that came to power in Niger,” the agency writes.
On August 18, in the capital of Ghana, Accra, the commanders-in-chief of the armies of the West African states discussed the logistics and other aspects of the possible deployment of collective armed forces in Niger during an emergency meeting of ECOWAS (which unites 15 states of the region). As reported by the Associated Press, the meeting was the first since last week, as representatives of the organization gave the order to bring the reserve forces of their armies to full readiness. Then the event was attended by the leaders of Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Senegal, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the overthrown government of Niger, Hassumi Massaudu.
How wrote Reuters, the bloc on Friday said it was agreeing to an unnamed “D-Day” for a possible military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail. They stressed that they would not conduct “an endless dialogue with the recalcitrant junta.”
“We are ready to move at any time when the order is given,” said ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fataw Musah.
He added that a peaceful settlement remains the preferred option.
On July 26, the Niger military announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazum. The new leader of the country was the head of the presidential guard, Abdurakhman Tchiani, who became the leader of the rebellion.
On July 31, ECOWAS issued a statement on the possible use of force if the rebels do not restore constitutional order in the country within a week and release the ousted president. On August 8, after the completion of the organization’s ultimatum, the French media reported that African countries could send a contingent of 25,000 troops to invade Niger.
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