The extraordinary ECOWAS summit on Niger, held on August 10, 2023, marked a firm will on the part of the West African organization to put pressure on the ruling junta. By activating its standby force, ECOWAS seeks to reinstall President Mohamed Bazoum and restore constitutional order in Niamey.
But despite this military strategy, ECOWAS also maintains its commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of the crisis. Arthur Banga, lecturer at the University of Côte d’Ivoire and specialist in international relations, stresses the importance of continuing negotiations while keeping military intervention as a deterrent.
The ECOWAS standby force is part of a collective security mechanism set up by the African Union and regional economic communities. It consists of a coordinated mobilization of the military capacities of West African countries to respond to crisis situations. According to Banga, the composition of this standby force will depend on the military capabilities of each country, with a predominant participation from Nigeria and possible support from Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin.
However, the military intervention in Niger arouses opposition, both in Nigeria and in other African countries. Some border countries, such as Algeria and Chad, are skeptical or even opposed to this intervention. It is therefore necessary to obtain the approval of the African Union and the United Nations to legitimize and supervise this military action.
ECOWAS tried to present a united front at the summit, despite internal divisions. Togo, which has mediated with ruling juntas, has expressed reservations about military intervention. Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain the dialogue with these countries and obtain their support in the search for a solution to the crisis.
In conclusion, ECOWAS shows its determination to restore constitutional order in Niger, using both military means of pressure and dialogue strategies. International cooperation and African Union and UN endorsements will be crucial to legitimize this intervention and ensure its success