Military Intervention in Niger: ECOWAS Preparations Underway
Military sources in Nigeria said preparations for a military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niger are ongoing.
Diplomacy vs Military Intervention
At a time when diplomacy is active and voices against any military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States in Niger are rising after a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff, the West African Organization has never abandoned the option of using force to restore democracy as it put it down and President Mohamed Bazum will take office.
Implementation of Military Plan
Military sources from Nigeria said that the plan, which was ratified in Accra and which now provides for the deployment of troops, is being implemented and that the military and reserve forces have not received any counter-order for military intervention in Niamey.
Force as an Option
It is clear that the option of restoring the constitutional order by force is still present, preserved and programmed, the same sources say.
Deployment of Forces
According to these sources, the heads of the armies are currently directing the deployment of forces.
This includes their transportation along the corridors of the countries bordering Niger to the places chosen as a base and staging point.
Composition of ECOWAS Standby Force
The latest information indicates that the ECOWAS standby force will consist of soldiers from Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, with Ghana expected to take part in this combined military later.
Other countries that made pledges in Accra may join after training their forces.
Appointment of Field Commanders
Field commanders have already been appointed in most units: this will be an operational control system that will simultaneously coordinate the point and location of these forces.
Senior Officer’s Statement
“We know how to do it, and the date has been set, and so far there are no changes to it,” said a senior officer who asked not to be named.
Source
Source: RT