The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step to address the recent coup in Niger by setting a specific date for a potential military intervention to restore constitutional governance. The decision was announced by Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, after a high-level meeting in Accra on August 18. Commissioner Musah highlighted the thorough preparations made for the intervention, with member states committing resources and equipment for the mission. The majority of ECOWAS member states expressed their willingness to participate in the military effort, except for Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde, which are under military rule. Commissioner Musah emphasized ECOWAS's multifaceted approach to addressing the crisis, including mediation and sanctions, but the primary goal is to restore constitutional order in Niger. The United Nations also expressed concern, urging the restoration of constitutional governance and the release of detained leaders. This development follows ECOWAS's ultimatum to the military leadership in Niger, which was issued on July 30 but was not acted upon, prompting the escalation of preparations for possible intervention.
