Amid the looming threat of military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), there are indications that members of the Niger junta have started evacuating their families to Burkina Faso and Dubai. The evacuation reportedly took place at Agadez Airport, involving Gulfstream G550 jets.
Sources suggest that General Tchiani, leading the junta, executed the evacuation as a precaution against a potential attack by ECOWAS forces. The move has sparked criticism, with accusations of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the Nigerien people. General Tchiani’s actions are seen as safeguarding his family while potentially sending soldiers into conflict.
ECOWAS has expressed readiness to intervene militarily in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts fail to restore democracy following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, emphasized that the organization is prepared to ensure constitutional order is reinstated in the country.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, highlighted the importance of democracy and stability in the region during a meeting of West African defence chiefs. The meeting aimed to proactively address the crisis in Niger and chart a path towards peace.
While ECOWAS deliberated on military intervention as a last resort, Burkina Faso and Mali cautioned that such action could escalate tensions in the Sahel region, emphasizing that it would be considered an act of war. Guinea, another country under military rule, refrained from making a strong stance.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council convened to discuss support for military intervention, though a final decision is pending. The AU’s decision could impact ECOWAS’ grounds for legal justification if it proceeds with military action.
As tensions mount and diplomatic efforts continue, the situation in Niger remains precarious, with the specter of military intervention hanging over the junta’s actions and ECOWAS’ stance.
