ECOWAS agrees to use military force to oust the army from power in Niger

  The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has agreed to intervene militarily in Niger to oust the military regime that brought down the government of pro-Western president Mohamed Bazoum. The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah indicated this on Friday after the conclusion of the two-day meeting of the chiefs of the armed forces of the West African countries held in Accra Ghana. In the meeting which had the aim of speeding up the acquisition of equipment to achieve military intervention and their strategies, the day of starting the military operation has remained a secret. Abdel-Fatau has said "We are ready to go at any time, the order has been given," and the relevant day has also been decided." He also added by saying that they have already agreed on what things will also be needed in the invasion, although he also emphasized that they are still giving opportunities to the military administration of Niger in order to achieve a peaceful solution.

He said ECOWAS is expected to send a diplomatic mission to Niger this Saturday, although the previous such mission failed to meet with the country's new military leader. Military officials deposed Niger President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 and have defied the call of the United Nations, ECOWAS and others to return him to his seat, which caused the community to gather military power with the aim of returning him to power. Thousands of anti-Western protesters last week took to the streets to protest the plans of West African countries to send troops to the country. The protesters they laid siege to a French military base in Niger, protesting the European country's years-long military intervention in the West African nation. Protesters gathered near a military base on the outskirts of the capital Niamey on August 11, chanting, "Down with France, down with ECOWAS."