During the second day of their gathering in Ghana, the defence chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) engaged in sustained discussions concerning the military intervention in Niger Republic. This action was prompted by the directive of ECOWAS leaders to restore civil rule in the country and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
As the meeting progressed, the defence chiefs worked towards a resolution that would address the situation in Niger Republic and restore democratic governance. The outcome of their deliberations, which concluded on Friday, is eagerly anticipated across the West African sub-region.
Earlier, ECOWAS leaders convened in Abuja and issued an order for the deployment of a Standby Force to Niger Republic. This force was given a specific mandate to facilitate the restoration of democracy in the country and reinstate President Bazoum, who was ousted.
The prospect of military intervention in Niger Republic has prompted warnings, particularly in Nigeria, against such actions by ECOWAS forces. Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of war in the neighboring country. Many voices have cautioned Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to resist external pressures or temptations to authorize military intervention in Niger.
In the midst of these discussions and concerns, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, emphasized the value of democracy and peace. He stated, “Democracy is what we stand for and it’s what we encourage. The focus of our gathering is not simply to react to events, but to proactively chart a course that results in peace and promotes stability.”
The ECOWAS defence chiefs’ deliberations underscore the complexity of regional matters and the importance of strategic decision-making in pursuit of stability and democratic values.