The heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed their concern about the ongoing political situation in Niger, following consultations held in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
"The time has come to intervene whenever the need arises."
According to ECOWAS, this announcement comes after worrying developments and tensions surrounding the recent dissolution of the government and the suspension of political activities by military actors, creating a crisis.
Ambassador Abdelfattah Moussa, ECOWAS as a commisioner for Political Affairs, said that the date of entry into Niger will not be announced at the moment, due to rules and regulations of the army.
The tense situation in Niger is being closely monitored by ECOWAS. In response to the coup that led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum last month, ECOWAS issued a directive ordering the deployment of a reserve force in order to restore constitutional order1. In addition, ECOWAS has designated a specific day as "D-Day" for a possible military intervention in case of failure of diplomatic negotiations with the junta 2. Nevertheless, a feeling of anger and opposition exists among certain parts of the Nigerien population regarding the possibility of ECOWAS INTERVENTION3. Moreover, within ECOWAS itself, differing opinions as to the feasibility of a military approach have caused internal divisions.
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