The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stated that military intervention in coup-ruled Niger is considered the “last option on the table.”
This comes as Nigeria decided to intensify pressure on the coup leaders by cutting electricity supplies to the country. France, the ex-colonial power, sent in a fifth plane to evacuate its citizens from Niger, and the United States also ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in the capital, Niamey.
ECOWAS leaders had previously imposed trade and financial sanctions on Niger, giving the coup leaders one week to restore the democratically elected president or face the possibility of forceful action. However, ECOWAS emphasized that the military option would only be considered as a last resort, but they needed to be prepared for any eventuality.
“(The) military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security.
A delegation from ECOWAS, led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, was in Niger for negotiations, while West African military chiefs convened in Abuja to strategize a response.
ALSO READ: 5 reasons why Nigerian youths resort to drugs
ALSO READ: FG drags organised labour to court for embarking on protest
Nigeria, as the pre-eminent military and economic power in West Africa and the current chair of ECOWAS, has taken a firm stance against the surge of coups in the region since 2020.
Niger heavily relies on Nigeria for 70% of its power supply, and as a result of the sanctions, Nigeria cut off electricity to its neighbor, further straining the situation in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a “declaration of war” against them.
General Salifou Mody, one of the Niger coup leaders, traveled to Mali’s capital, Bamako, on Wednesday, and he stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries.
Russia called for urgent national dialogue in Niger and cautioned against threats of intervention, stating they would not help ease tensions or resolve the domestic situation.
Additionally, the World Bank announced it was suspending aid to Niger, except for private sector partnerships, joining other international organizations in taking action against the country following the coup.