High-ranking defence officials from West African nations are currently engaged in a second day of discussions in Ghana, focusing on potential armed intervention to reinstate civil governance in the Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts fail to reverse a recent coup.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the discussions among defence chiefs aim to formulate a cohesive strategy and response. The outcome of these talks is expected to be revealed during a closing ceremony later in the day.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced earlier that its member countries’ troops are prepared to participate in a standby force to restore democratic order in Niger.
This commitment follows the detainment of President Mohamed Bazoum by military leaders after a coup.
All member states, excluding those under military rule and Cape Verde, reached a consensus during a meeting in Ghana’s capital, Accra, to activate a “standby force” as a final measure to restore democracy in Niger if negotiations with coup leaders prove futile.
The ECOWAS defence chiefs, gathering for a two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, are using this opportunity to refine the details of a potential military intervention to reinstate President Bazoum should ongoing negotiations with the coup leaders not yield satisfactory results.