Troops from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are prepared to deploy their standby force to restore civil rule in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts to reverse the recent coup fail. This decision was reached at a meeting in Accra, Ghana’s capital, where all member states, except those under military rule and Cape Verde, pledged to participate in the standby force.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner, stated that the West African forces are prepared to step in if other measures prove unsuccessful. He emphasized the commitment to restore constitutional order in Niger and listed past deployments in The Gambia and Liberia as evidence of their readiness.
The Presidential Guards staged a coup on July 26, removing President Mohamed Bazoum from power. In response, ECOWAS issued a one-week ultimatum for the military to reinstate the president or face sanctions. Despite the threats, the military remained defiant and rejected foreign intervention.
The activation of the ECOWAS standby force reflects the organization’s determination to uphold stability and peace in the region. The move highlights the collective commitment of member states to addressing political crises and ensuring the return to democratic governance.