DAKAR (Reuters) – Defence chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will convene in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, for a two-day meeting starting on Wednesday to discuss the recent coup in Niger, as stated in a press release issued by the bloc on Tuesday.
The meeting aims to address the political and security implications of the military takeover in Niger, which occurred last week. ECOWAS, a regional organization comprised of 15 West African nations, seeks to ensure peace, security, and stability within the region.
The military coup in Niger has raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. ECOWAS has consistently called for a return to democratic governance and urged the military junta to reinstate the deposed civilian government.
ECOWAS has a history of taking decisive measures to resolve political conflicts and uphold democratic principles in the region. In the past, the organization has deployed peacekeeping troops and implemented sanctions against member states involved in unconstitutional regime changes.
The bloc’s meeting in Abuja will provide an opportunity for defense chiefs to analyze the situation in Niger, assess the potential threat to regional stability, and develop a coordinated response. ECOWAS is expected to consider a range of options, from diplomatic pressure to potential military intervention, in order to restore democratic governance in Niger.
The international community closely monitors ECOWAS’ response to the coup, as a swift and unified action is crucial to prevent the further erosion of democracy in the region. The outcome of the meeting will likely shape the future trajectory of the political crisis in Niger and send a message to other countries considering similar illicit power grabs.
ECOWAS encourages all stakeholders in Niger to engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis. The bloc remains committed to supporting democratic processes and seeks to promote stability and development within its member states.
Reporting by Edward McAllister
Credit: The Star : News Feed
