The defense chiefs of West Africa have reached a critical agreement on a potential military intervention to restore democracy in the country.
The junta that seized power in Niger is facing mounting pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) as a deadline approaches for them to return the nation to constitutional order.
After a three-day meeting of defense officials in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the plan was officially announced on Friday.
Nigeria, the region’s most influential country with the largest military, sought legislative approval for military action as part of this initiative.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas Commissioner for Peace and Security, addressed the media after the meeting, stating that all necessary elements for the intervention had been thoroughly discussed and refined. This included determining the timing, required resources, and the deployment strategy.
While military intervention is considered the last resort, Ecowas is determined to make diplomacy work. Over the past three years, the regional bloc attempted to convince military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea to restore democracy through peaceful means, without resorting to the use of force. In Niger’s case, however, a more robust stance is being taken.
The junta in Niger will be given a grace period to reconsider their actions and restore the country to constitutional rule. Should they fail to do so, Ecowas is prepared to compel them to hand over power to civilian authorities. Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal have pledged their support to reverse the coup, marking the sixth successful coup in the region within the past three years.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s defense minister, emphasized that the success of this meeting would be determined by tangible actions on the ground, not mere rhetoric. Ecowas has already taken a tough stance, imposing border closures and harsh sanctions that have caused food prices to skyrocket in the impoverished nation.
The coup in Niger has led to a chain of military-led countries across the region, raising concerns about their ties with the West. Russia, in particular, has been making inroads in the region through the Wagner Group, leading to questions about the geopolitical dynamics at play.
Niger has long been a vital partner in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel, but the junta’s actions have strained defense ties with France, the ex-colonial power with troops stationed in the country. Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which have recently experienced coups, have moved closer to Russia, creating a complex geopolitical landscape in the region.