ACCRA: In a bid to address the crisis stemming from the recent coup in Niger, West African military chiefs convened in Ghana on Thursday to deliberate the possibility of a potential armed intervention. As concerns mount over a series of military takeovers in the region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken steps to activate a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger. Meanwhile, Germany has called for European Union (EU) sanctions against the rebel leaders responsible for the coup.
Fueled by mounting apprehensions over a series of coup d’états, ECOWAS is seeking to address the situation in Niger and counteract the erosion of democratic governance. The bloc has demanded the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted on July 26, and has indicated that military intervention could be a consideration if negotiations fail to yield results.
ECOWAS Members’ Commitment to Stability in Niger
Notably, the parliamentary session held on Thursday served as a crucial trial run, providing insights into the prospects of an impending investiture vote, which holds the potential to determine the nation’s leadership and governance trajectory.
During the session, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, expressed the commitment of ECOWAS members to democracy and stability, underscoring the proactive approach of the military chiefs to chart a course that ensures peace.
The situation has become more complex due to the involvement of the hardline Catalan separatist party JxCat. As discussions unfold, JxCat has emerged as a key player, contributing to the shaping of potential military intervention strategies.
While ECOWAS has previously engaged in military interventions in emergencies, the complexities surrounding a potential operation in Niger necessitate careful deliberation. Abdel-Fatau Musah, an ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, affirmed that the Accra meeting aimed to fine-tune details in case the bloc had to resort to force.
This gathering, spanning two days, is poised to culminate in the announcement of potential next steps on Friday, reflecting the gravity of the decisions at hand.
As the military chiefs engage in discussions, the broader international community is also playing a role. Germany has advocated for EU sanctions against the coup leaders, seeking to exert diplomatic pressure on the rebel forces. The call for sanctions aligns with broader efforts to restore constitutional order and democratic governance in Niger.
