West Africa Mobilizes for Potential Military Intervention in Niger’s Political Crisis
West Africa’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is preparing for a potential military intervention to restore democracy in Niger, following the recent overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by military generals. After diplomatic efforts have been exhausted, ECOWAS has agreed to activate a standby force to intervene if necessary. The exact timeline for such intervention has not been disclosed.
During a meeting of West African army chiefs in Ghana’s capital, Accra, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah stated that preparations are underway and the intervention plans have been finalized. However, ECOWAS is still seeking peaceful engagement with Niger’s military leaders and has not ruled out mediation.
The coup, which occurred on July 26, saw President Bazoum detained by military officers who have remained defiant in the face of international pressure to reinstate him. ECOWAS has been joined by the United Nations and other international bodies in condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of democratic governance.
Most of ECOWAS’s 15 member states are ready to contribute to the joint force for the potential military operation, with the exception of Cape Verde, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, due to their own experiences with military rule. However, the implementation of a military intervention faces numerous political and legal obstacles. Approval from participating countries’ parliaments and legislative bodies is required, and some nations such as Nigeria have already expressed opposition to military action at this time.
Analysts and experts have pointed out the mixed signals being sent by ECOWAS. While the bloc has stated that the military option is a last resort and continues to pursue dialogue, its focus on military intervention remains concerning. Military intervention would likely be met with resistance and unpopularity within Niger.
President Bazoum, who won the landmark 2021 elections in Niger, has been held with his family at the official residence since the coup, prompting growing international concern over their well-being. ECOWAS has a poor track record in preventing coups within the region, as neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali have each experienced multiple coups in recent years. The coup in Niger was viewed as the final straw, leading ECOWAS to threaten military invasion and impose economic and travel sanctions.
As negotiations stall and the military leaders consolidate their power, ECOWAS faces limited options. Military intervention, if pursued, could further destabilize the already vulnerable Sahel region and its ongoing fight against armed groups. Additionally, Niger holds strategic importance beyond West Africa due to its uranium and oil reserves, as well as its role as a hub for foreign troops combating armed groups associated with al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Overall, West Africa is mobilizing its efforts for a potential military intervention in Niger to restore democracy and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the path forward is complex, with various political, legal, and humanitarian considerations at play. The situation in Niger continues to unfold, with the international community closely monitoring developments and hoping for a peaceful resolution.
