West Africa’s primary regional alliance, ECOWAS, has established a decisive “D-day” for potential military action in Niger to re-establish democracy, should diplomatic negotiations prove unsuccessful.
This announcement came during a two-day summit in Ghana’s capital, Accra, where West African military leaders deliberated over the possible use of force in Niger, marking it as a measure of last resort.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, stated at the conference’s conclusion, “The D-Day is decided. We are ready to move the moment the command is issued.” Although ECOWAS has mapped out the specifics of this intervention, Musah reiterated their preference for a peaceful dialogue with the junta, mentioning that, “We are still organizing a mediation mission to Niger. We haven’t closed off any avenues.”
In a significant political upheaval, military officers overthrew Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Despite international appeals, including from the United Nations and ECOWAS for his restoration, the junta has resisted. Consequently, ECOWAS has instructed the formation of a standby force, with the majority of the 15 ECOWAS members showing willingness to join the movement— except for nations already under military control, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, as well as the small state of Cape Verde.
However, the number of troops or other strategic plans remain undisclosed by defense heads. Any interference might further destabilize the already fragile Sahel region of West Africa, which has been grappling with extremist insurgencies for over ten years. Additionally, Niger holds broader strategic value, given its uranium and oil assets, and its pivotal role as a center for international forces combating insurgents tied to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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