ECOWAS Activates Standby Force for Possible Niger Intervention

Jakarta, Indonesia - This July, the political dynamics of Africa was shaken as Chief of the Nigerien Presidential Guard, Brigade General Abdourahmane Tchani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum of the Republic of Niger. In the matter of a few days, Brigade General Tchani was able to secure effective control over the entire country of Niger, establishing a military junta and declaring himself “President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.” This has raised alarm bells to ring throughout the international community, especially for members of the African political and economic bloc, ECOWAS.

“ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms the attempt to seize power by force and calls on the coup plotters to free the democratically-elected President of the Republic immediately and without any condition.” Stated ECOWAS in an official communique posted to Twitter. (26/07/23) ECOWAS is an international organisation comprising of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bisseau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Niger was a member of ECOWAS before being suspended on account of the hostile takeover of government. As the situation progresses, ECOWAS has begun to show a more forceful image in responding against the Nigerien coup, activating its Standby Force for a possible military intervention to restore ousted President Bazoum into office.

“The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDDC) has commenced the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.” Announced the ECOWAS in another communique posted to Twitter. (17/08/23)

Although protests against the prospect of Niger intervention in Nigeria have been continuing, ECOWAS’ resolve to oppose any and all instances of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs) remain firm, seeming determined to not allow any cracks in the constitutional order of Africa.

With both the Nigerien Junta and ECOWAS standing firm in their resolve, the prospect of a conflict in Niger between ECOWAS coalition countries and the Niger Junta seems like a more than just possible prospect. This conflict also may result in more involvement from international actors, since the Nigerien Junta has openly called for the involvement of troops from the Wagner Private Military Company to stabilise its power.

“The military requested the presence of Wagner forces on our lands.” Told Brigade General Abdourrahmane Tchani’s Special Advisor to news organization Al Arabiya.

The Wagner Private Military Company is well known as a mercenary group lead by Yevgeny Prigozhin that was unofficially backed and supplied by the Russian Military, serving in Ukraine, Syria, and in African countries such as the Central African Republic. However, after Prigozhin attempted a coup against President Vladimir Putin, Wagner has since moved to Belarus.

In its efforts however, ECOWAS has been supported by multiple countries in the international community, notably the United States and France. In a statement released by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the United States affirmed its commitment in backing ECOWAS.

“Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the (National) Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government."

As the Standby Force is mobilised, it remains to be seen what the consequences of an intervention would be. What is clear is that multiple global powers might have an interest in the political struggles to come, and the coup in Niger might be affecting African political dynamics for years after the initial event.

Image source: France 24