ECOWAS is pushing for a peaceful resolution to the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum, but emphasised they were ready to intervene militarily if coup leaders continue to defy international pressure to stand down.
The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence staff brief the press on plans to deploy its standby force to the Republic of Niger, in Accra, Ghana, on August 18, 2023. / Photo: Reuters Archive
Niger’s governing military council confirmed the arrival of the ECOWAS representatives, headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar. On August 10 ECOWAS ordered the deployment of a “standby force” to restore constitutional rule in the country. The 11 member states don’t include Niger itself and the bloc’s three other countries under military rule following coups: Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Also on Saturday, the new United States Ambassador to Niger, Kathleen FitzGibbon, arrived in the capital, said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the State Department. The US hasn’t had an ambassador in the country for nearly two years.On the streets of the capital Niamey on Saturday, many residents said they're preparing to fight back against an ECOWAS military intervention.
″I am here for the recruitment to become a good soldier. We are all here for that," said Ismail Hassan a resident waiting in line to register.Events organiser Amsarou Bako claimed that the junta was not involved in finding volunteers to defend the coup, although it is aware of the initiative. Hours after the drive started, the organizers said it would be postponed, but didn't explain why.
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