ECOWAS Will Deploy ‘Standby Force’ to Restore Democracy in Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced it’s going to deploy a “standby force” with the goal of reestablishing democracy in Niger post-coup.

Meanwhile, in a chilling revelation, Niger’s military junta has threatened to kill the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum should neighbouring nations attempt a military intervention to reestablish his governance. This information came to light during a meeting with US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland during her recent visit to Niger. While Bazoum asserts his status as a hostage in his own residence since the coup on July 26, the larger West African community grapples with the regional ramifications of the power shift.

A significant meeting of West African leaders took place in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Though the junta had disregarded ECOWAS’s prior deadline to reinstate Bazoum, the gathering in Abuja showed dwindling support for military intervention. Notably, nine out of the expected eleven heads of state participated, including leaders from Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and others. Even non-ECOWAS leaders from Mauritania and Burundi took part.

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