The chiefs of staff from of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded a two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the upcoming steps for a potential military intervention in Niger, aimed at “restoring constitutional” ruling, weeks after the coup against President Mohamed Bazoum.
According to Abdel-Fatau Musah, the commissioner for political affairs of the West African body, “the D-Day has been decided.” An agreement has been reached regarding equipment and resources, while personnel and plans have been finalized.
“We are ready to go. There will be no further meeting of the chiefs of staff […]. We want to free Niger from the military in power so that the country can focus on its primary objective, the fight against terrorism,” added the commissioner, as reported by RFI.
However, the final press release suggests that the situation is subject to change. First, the plan needs to be fully approved by the ECOWAS heads of state conference. Furthermore, the Nigerian chief of staff emphasizes that there are various feasible options. Consequently, ECOWAS maintains the possibility of an open dialogue.
As a reminder, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) officially decided a few days ago to oppose the use of military force in Niger.