Notice to Move
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Niger gives its forces 24 hours notice to move in event of ECOWAS attack as bloc admits it intends to pursue a diplomatic solution
The Niger military junta has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document issued by its defence chief on Friday that a security source in the country confirmed was authentic according to a Reuters report.
The document, which was shared widely online on Saturday, said the order to be on maximum alert would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and “avoid a general surprise”.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has during a Press Conference at the ECOWAS Commission HQ Abuja
“Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt,” it said.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been trying to negotiate with the leaders of the July 26 coup, but has said it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.
On Friday, the bloc downplayed this threat and said it was “determined to bend backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts,” although an intervention remained one of the options the table.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told reporters.
“The military in Niger must immediately return to their barracks and play the role assigned to them by the constitution,” he stressed.
In late July, a group of military officers in Niger announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. They then established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Fatherland (Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie, CNSP), headed by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, to run the country.
According to the ActuNiger portal, on August 10, Tchiani signed a decree on forming a new interim government of 20 ministers, both military and civilian.
ECOWAS leaders demanded the rebels in Niger, which is a member of the organisation, release Bazoum and warned about a military resolution of the situation if he is not released. Nevertheless, the ECOWAS imposed tough sanctions on the country.
The bloc’s decision earlier in August to activate a so-called standby force for a possible intervention has raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilise the insurgency-torn Sahel region.
Source ECOWAS/Reuters
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