An extraordinary gathering is set to take place in Accra on Thursday and Friday, involving military leaders from several West African nations. The purpose of this assembly is to discuss the deployment of troops aimed at reinstating constitutional order in Niger.
This meeting has been prompted by a decision made by the Authority of Heads of State and Government within the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) to activate a standby force for potential deployment in Niger.
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Initially, the West African coalition had given a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta under the leadership of Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, urging them to restore Mohamed Bazoum as the President. However, after the ultimatum’s expiration, the Authority, convening in Abuja, Nigeria on Thursday, August 10, decided to explore alternate strategies, including the utilization of a standby force.
Reports indicate that Ghana’s Parliament has expressed its support for a military intervention involving a joint force in Niger.
Following the Abuja meeting, Ivory Coast’s leader, Alassane Ouattara, informed reporters that his country has completed financial preparations to contribute a battalion to the Ecowas force.
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“Cote d’Ivoire will provide a battalion and has made all financial arrangements for the operation if it is to last three months,” President Ouattara said.
“Provisions will be made at the budgetary level so that our soldiers and officers who will participate in this operation do not lack anything. So Cote d’Ivoire is ready.”
The meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff at Ghana’s military base, Burma Camp, will be focused on “finalizing plans for the deployment of the Standby Force.”
