As part of a possible intervention in Niger, the Chiefs of Staff of the member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened a conclave on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. On this occasion, the Commissioner of ECOWAS for Political Affairs and Security provided some clarifications on this option being considered.
According to Abdulfatar Musa, ECOWAS does not consider the military option as Plan A. “The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort,” he stated, as reported by Sesame Info. However, he urged the relevant actors to be prepared because even though it is a “last option,” they should be ready when the time comes. The meeting of the Chiefs of Staff will conclude next Friday with resolutions.
Following its extraordinary summit held on Sunday, July 30, in Abuja, ECOWAS indicated the possibility of a military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger following the removal of Mohamed Bazoum. After this announcement, which appears to be a threat to the coup leaders, some countries have come forward to warn the Organization.
In addition to the threat of military intervention, ECOWAS has imposed a list of sanctions against Niger, primarily targeting the National Council for the Salvation of the Nation (CNSP). These sanctions primarily have economic implications and are already impacting the daily lives of Nigeriens, especially businesspeople.
