Niger: Ecowas standby-force declares readiness to attack junta
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Junta leaders in Niger
The standby force of the regional bloc—ECOWAS, have declared readiness to participate in the planned military action in Niger Republic.
After President Mohamed Bazoum was booted out of office by the coupists, ECOWAS issued a 7 day ultimatum to the military authorities to restore constitutional democracy or risk sanctions, including possible military action.
But the recalcitrant junta ignored ECOWAS’ threat and vowed to resist foreign intervention.
Furthermore, the regional bloc asked Defence Chiefs from the 15-member regional bloc to activate its standby force.
At a meeting in Accra, Ghana capital, on Thursday, the Defence Chiefs said they were prepared to restore civil rule in Niger.
All member states except those under military rule and Cape Verde pledged readiness to participate in the standby force.
ECOWAS commissioner, Abdel-Fatau Musah, was quoted to have said this.
The medium further quoted Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to have said, “Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage,”
“The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promote stability.”
