
Niamey, Niger • August 6, 2023
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the mobilization of a standby force for possible use in Niger, where the military seized power more than two weeks ago.
Leaders of the regional bloc reached the resolution at a summit in Nigeria's capital, Abuja on Thursday, saying they remain committed to "the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means."
The decision comes after Niamey's new military government rebuffed diplomatic efforts by ECOWAS, the UN, and the US, which operates two military bases in the country, to fight jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region.
President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted on July 26 and has been held captive at the presidential palace with his family, with the UN concerned about his health.
An ECOWAS ultimatum to the new military leadership to release Bazoum and restore democracy in the impoverished country within a week expired last Sunday with no sign of the coup plotters complying.












Comment: Cue the distraction that will require US/Western 'assistance'.