The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to hold a meeting in Ghana this week to address the possibility of military intervention in Niger. Regional military sources have revealed that the meeting, initially scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed for “technical reasons.” An ECOWAS official confirmed the rescheduled meeting, which will now take place on Thursday and Friday.
The move comes after ECOWAS leaders recently decided to deploy their “standby force” to reinstate Mohamed Bazoum, the President of Niger, following his ousting in a military coup on the 26th of July. While some countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, have expressed readiness to send their armies to Niger, ECOWAS intends to prioritize diplomatic channels in resolving the crisis.
Nonetheless, the prospects of military intervention have sparked intense debates and concerns in political, religious, and civil society circles in northern Nigeria. These factions fear potential consequences for both Nigeria and the already volatile Sahel region, which has been grappling with jihadist violence.
In a surprising turn of events, Niger’s military regime, which had previously rejected several mediation attempts by ECOWAS, welcomed a delegation of Nigerian religious leaders last Saturday. Following the meeting, the military-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, emphasized Niger’s commitment to maintaining its “important and historic relationship” with Nigeria and ECOWAS. However, the regime’s stance remains uncertain, as it has also expressed intentions to prosecute the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason.”
The upcoming meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Staff will delve into the complexities surrounding a potential military intervention. The discussions are expected to assess the political, security, and humanitarian implications of such a course of action. ECOWAS leaders will take into account the concerns raised by northern Nigerian stakeholders and the wider Sahel region while weighing the effectiveness and viability of diplomatic efforts.
The situation in Niger remains delicate, with a power struggle unfolding between the military regime and those who seek to reinstate the deposed President. Amidst the tensions, ECOWAS is working towards a peaceful resolution that upholds democratic principles and preserves stability in the region.
ECOWAS, a regional organization composed of 15 West African nations, has been at the forefront of efforts to promote political stability and economic integration in the region. The community has a long history of intervening in member states facing political crises, with recent interventions in Mali and The Gambia. The potential military intervention in Niger presents yet another test for ECOWAS’s ability to foster stability and democracy in the region.
As the ECOWAS Chiefs of Staff gather in Ghana later this week, the eyes of the international community will be on their deliberations. With concerns over the repercussions of military intervention, alongside the desire to restore democratic governance in Niger, ECOWAS faces a challenging balancing act. The outcome of these discussions will shed light on the path forward for Niger and its neighbouring countries, as they navigate the complexities of this evolving crisis.
Image Credit: Chatham House
