ECOWAS army ready to invade Niger, say defence chiefs

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ECOWAS army ready to invade Niger, say defence chiefs

The Economic Community of West African States Defence Chiefs have agreed a “D-day” for a possible military intervention to restore civil rule in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail.

According to Reuters, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah, said on Friday, without disclosing when that is.

The official made the comments at the end of a two-day meeting of West African army chiefs in Ghana’s capital Accra, where they have been hashing out the logistics and strategy for a possible use of force in Niger, which ECOWAS said would be the last resort.

The ECOWAS troops a day earlier pledged readiness to participate in a standby force that would restore democracy in Niger after generals toppled and detained President Mohamed Bazoum.

All member states, except those under military rule and Cape Verde, agreed at a meeting in Accra, Ghana capital, on Thursday to activate a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day meeting, Musah was quoted by Reuters as saying, “We are ready to go anytime the order is given.

“The D-Day is also decided. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention.”