The Senegalese armed forces are preparing to be deployed to Benin for a potential intervention in Niger under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reported Seneweb on Wednesday, citing its sources.
According to its information, Air Senegal has been tasked with facilitating the transfer of 900 soldiers and mobilized military equipment to the Beninese city of Cotonou, which could become a rear base for ECOWAS intervention forces.
Senegalese authorities have initiated a mobilization, as reported by the Senegalese newspaper L’Observateur, citing the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mbaye Cissé.
ECOWAS heads of state have agreed to launch a military operation in Niger “in the shortest possible time.” This was stated by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara upon his return from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, where a summit of the community was held.
“The chiefs of staff will have further conferences to finalize things, but they have the agreement of the heads of state conference for the operation to start in the shortest possible time,” said the Ivorian President, as quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Alassane Ouattara also emphasized that his country would provide a battalion of 850 to 1,100 men for the operation, and that Nigeria and Benin would also participate in the operation, as reported by AFP. “The coup plotters can decide to leave as early as tomorrow morning, and there will be no military intervention, it all depends on them. We are determined to reinstall President Bazoum in his functions,” added Mr. Ouattara.
ECOWAS leaders, of which Niger is a part, demanded that the military release President Mohamed Bazoum by August 7, threatening to resort to force. However, neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso stated they would consider such an action as an attack against themselves.
As the ECOWAS ultimatum was not adhered to, the community leaders reconvened in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on August 10. The community declared its “continued commitment” to the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
Meanwhile, the current ECOWAS president, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, acknowledged that the ultimatum issued to the Nigerien rebels to demand the restoration of democracy, as well as the imposed sanctions, did not yield the desired results. He called for dialogue, including with the rebels who took power.
On July 26, a rebel group of Nigerien military personnel announced on television the removal of President Bazoum, the closure of the country’s borders, the imposition of a curfew, the suspension of the Constitution, and the prohibition of political activities by parties. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Republic (CNSR) was created to govern the country, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani leading this new body.
Meanwhile, according to statements from Nigerien politicians, Mr. Bazoum is in “good health” and has been in telephonic contact with leaders and government members of other countries, but he is prohibited from leaving his residence.
