2023-08-19 03:04:08
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Friday that its armed force was “ready to intervene” in Niger as soon as the leaders of West African countries give the order.
“The day of the intervention has also been fixed,” added ECOWAS after a two-day meeting of the chiefs of staff of the West African armies in Accra, the capital of Ghana. But the Community continues to affirm that it prefers a peaceful resolution of the situation in Niger, victim of a military coup on July 26th.
Concerns over deposed President Mohamed Bazoum
According to a senior official present, a “possible” diplomatic mission could go to Niamey on Saturday “to continue to follow the peaceful path to restore constitutional order. “We are ready to solve the problem peacefully, but it takes two to tango,” he added metaphorically.
Beyond the details of a potential armed intervention in Niger, it is the conditions of detention of the overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum that have been the subject of declarations. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has warned that “any further deterioration in his health will have serious consequences”. The health of Bazoum, detained by the putschists since July 26, is the subject of many concerns, while he could be prosecuted by the junta for “high treason”.
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