ECOWAS ultimatum to Niger: "Chad will never intervene militarily"

Niger is still plunged into the unknown. ECOWAS' ultimatum expires tomorrow, Sunday, August 6. Member states are preparing for a possible military intervention in the country. For three days and until yesterday, Friday, the chiefs of staff met in Abuja, Nigeria, to define the profile of a "possible intervention" armed.

ECOWAS meets in Abuja, Nigeria on August 2, 2023 to discuss the coup in Niger. AFP - KOLA SULAIMON

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It seems that the force is ready. It is in fact the waiting force, validated last December, at the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State. A contingent initially designed for peacekeeping and the fight against terrorism, but in the case of Niger, these soldiers should have a robust mandate, including the use of force, with authorized offensive actions.

The device must be carried by land, sea and air, although one participant suggested that field operations could be targeted at first.

This Saturday, August 5, each Chief of Staff present in Abuja must present the intervention plan to the President of his country because, let us remember, it is the Heads of State who will decide, in the end, to launch the operation.

Major role of Nigeria

Regarding military means and the number of soldiers that could be sent, it is the domain of defense secrecy, for the moment. However, Nigeria is expected to have a major role in the operation and could take command.

Côte d'Ivoire would also be an essential force even if, according to a good source, "Abidjan hopes until the last minute for an amicable solution" with the Nigerien putschists.

Benin and Senegal would also participate and the list could grow. However, this operation is not necessarily unanimous. Although it does not belong to the subregional organization, Chad says it will not send any soldiers to Niger.

"Chad will never intervene militarily in Niger"

Chad, a major African military power and neighbouring Niger, has indicated that it will not participate in any intervention. "Chad will never intervene militarily. We have always advocated dialogue. Chad is a facilitator," said Daoud Yaya Brahim, Minister of the Armed Forces of Chad, a country that is not a member of ECOWAS, on Friday (August 4th).

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No, Chad will never intervene militarily, for many reasons. Our president was appointed by his brothers in ECOWAS to bring President Bazoum and the putschists closer together, and he went there, obviously, and we have always advocated dialogue between them. Chad has never sought to intervene in Niger and we will never intervene by military means. We favour dialogue. Let stability return to Niger, let Nigeriens themselves feel that danger is imminent, and it is up to them to find the problem. Chad is a facilitator," said Daoud Yaya Brahim, Chad's Minister of the Armed Forces.

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Daoud Yaya Brahim, Minister of the Armed Forces of Chad

Algeria, too, opposes any armed operation. His Foreign Ministry said that would be an "unfortunate" option. Algiers warns and calls for "caution and restraint" as this intervention could actually complicate and aggravate the current crisis

" READ ALSO Niger: the chiefs of staff of ECOWAS have defined the contours of a "possible military intervention"

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• Niger
• ECOWAS
• Defense
• Chad