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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced its readiness to deploy a standby force to intervene in Niger and restore civil rule following the recent seizure of power by the presidential guards.
The decision was made during a meeting of Defence Chiefs held in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
In a significant display of solidarity, all member states of ECOWAS, except those currently under military rule and Cape Verde, have pledged their readiness to participate in the standby force.
The intention of this force is to reinstate democratic governance in Niger. ECOWAS Commissioner, Abdel-Fatau Musah, confirmed the commitment of the member states to this initiative.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, emphasized the importance of democracy and the role of ECOWAS in promoting peace and stability in the region.
“Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage. The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promote stability, he stated.”
The situation in Niger has raised concerns across the West African region. Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which have experienced multiple coups since 2020, have cautioned against any military intervention in Niger, branding it as an act of war.
The recent power seizure in Niger occurred when the presidential guards ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
In response, ECOWAS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta, demanding the restoration of the legitimate president or else face sanctions, which could potentially include military action.
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