Niamey: Convening in Accra, Ghana, West African army chiefs have been engaged in high-level discussions for the past two days to deliberate on the specifics of a prospective military intervention in Niger, should diplomatic efforts fail to avert a crisis resulting from a recent military coup. This gathering, slated to conclude on Friday, serves as a critical forum for regional powers to address escalating concerns following the ousting of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum by military officers on July 26.
As global entities including the United Nations and the West African ECOWAS bloc call for the reinstatement of President Bazoum, the military coup prompted immediate responses from regional powers, prompting the mobilization of a standby force.
The dialogue among defense chiefs has encompassed the intricate logistical aspects and various dimensions of a potential deployment. The culmination of this two-day meeting will be marked by a closing ceremony, as outlined in the official schedule, around 1600 GMT.
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ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized at the onset of the event that the use of force would remain a last resort. However, he affirmed the readiness of the West African forces, asserting that "if all else fails, the valiant forces of West Africa... are ready to answer the call of duty."
Reports suggest that all nations within the ECOWAS bloc, except Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde, which are also currently under military rule, are poised to contribute to the standby force.
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The potential escalation of tensions in the already fragile Sahel region of West Africa, which has been grappling with an Islamist insurgency for a decade, presents a daunting concern. The region's security landscape would be further destabilized by such developments.
In addition to its regional implications, Niger's strategic significance extends beyond West Africa due to its substantial uranium and oil reserves. The country also plays a pivotal role as a hub for foreign military forces participating in the ongoing conflict against insurgent groups associated with Al-Qaeda and Daesh.
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As the discussions in Accra continue to unfold, the international community keenly watches the deliberations, recognizing the critical need for a collaborative and strategic response to the evolving situation in Niger.