In a joint statement released following the ECOWAS summit announcing a potential military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali reassured the coup leaders of their support to counter the ECOWAS standby force.
Providing significant backing to Niger in the face of ECOWAS sanctions and reprisals, Burkina Faso and Mali are taking the threat of military intervention seriously. On Friday, the national television of Niger (RTN) reported that both countries have already deployed fighter jets.
In a televised video, combat aircraft can be seen landing under the control of uniformed personnel. According to RTN, the armed forces of the three countries are earnestly working to formulate a plan to respond to the potential ECOWAS military intervention.
On the other side, ECOWAS chiefs of staff are actively working to finalize the military plan. They held a meeting that concluded on Friday, where security leaders defined the timeline for the military intervention.
Following the discussions, a date was selected for troop deployment if ECOWAS ultimately resorts to the use of force to restore Mohamed Bazoum to power.
