A “D-day” for a potential military intervention to reinstate civil rule in Niger has been set by the Defense Chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah reportedly stated on Friday, without specifying a time frame
The official made the remarks at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the chiefs of the West African armies in Ghana’s capital Accra, where they were discussing the logistics and plan for a potential use of force in Niger, which ECOWAS said would be the last resort.
After President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown and imprisoned by generals in Niger, the ECOWAS troops had earlier declared their willingness to take part in a standby force to reestablish democracy in the country.
At a meeting on Thursday in Accra, Ghana’s capital, all member states, with the exception of those under military rule and Cape Verde, decided to launch a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.
Musah was quoted by Reuters as saying, “We are ready to go whenever the order is given,” at the conclusion of the two-day meeting.
“The D-Day is also decided. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention.”
