Troops from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed their preparedness to form a standby force that could intervene and reinstate civil rule in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup prove unsuccessful.
During a meeting in Accra, Ghana’s capital, Defense Chiefs from ECOWAS member countries, excluding those under military rule and Cape Verde, committed to participating in the standby force.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, addressed the Defense Chiefs, asserting that if all else fails, the determined forces of West Africa stand ready to fulfill their duty and restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.
Musah stated that ECOWAS is willing to utilize its resources for the mission in Niger and welcomes assistance from any willing organization. He noted that the request for Chapter VII, often made to secure resources and contributions, is not necessary as the Heads of State intend to deploy their own resources.
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter empowers the UN Security Council to take military and non-military actions to restore international peace and security in the face of threats or aggression.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, highlighted that the focus of the gathering was not merely reactive but aimed at charting a proactive course to achieve peace and stability, emphasizing their commitment to democracy.
In a related development, Germany’s Foreign Affairs Ministry supported European Union sanctions against the military junta in Niger. EU foreign ministers were set to discuss the situation, including sanctions, at an upcoming meeting. The EU had suspended security cooperation and financial support following the coup.
Furthermore, the Southern Africa Development Community bloc in Nigeria expressed its support for actions taken by the African Union and ECOWAS to reinstate democracy in Niger Republic, highlighting the regional solidarity in addressing the crisis.
