Iran Press/ Africa: While addressing the gathering on the final day of the meeting in Accra, Mr. Musah shed light on the potential military dimension of preaching the turmoil. The second and concluding day of the high-level meeting among West African military leaders unfolded at Burma Camp, focusing objectively on the ongoing coup crisis in Niger.
While affirming that ECOWAS military chiefs are actively exploring various strategies, Mr. Musah emphasized that the intent is not to declare war on Niger. The discussions, he said, were within the context of considering a comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis, which includes military intervention if peaceful methods fall short.
Abdel-Fatau Musah acknowledged that the ECOWAS mission might undertake renewed talks in Niger to seek a peaceful resolution on Saturday, August 19.
However, he urged the public to exercise caution in overemphasizing the military intervention aspect of the situation. Still, he stated that the posture adopted by the junta in Niger towards the mediation process leaves ECOWAS with no option but to play hardball.
"We are ready to go anytime the order is given," said Musah, emphasizing that D-Day has also been decided. "We have already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention," he added, highlighting that they are still seeking to engage with the junta peacefully. He also announced that they are still preparing a mediation mission into the country, indicating that they have not closed any doors for negotiation.
"While we will not be the ones knocking on the door when they slam it on us, it is clear that sanctions are also being considered," stated Musah. He further explained that sanctions are being contemplated as a coercive tool to pressure the junta into surrendering.
While keeping the military intervention option on the horizon, Musah emphasized the intention for any deployment to be strategic, brief, and aimed at swiftly restoring constitutional order. "If all else fails, then we have no choice but to resort to military intervention. However, we hope it will be surgical and short-lived in order to ensure the restoration of constitutional order," he clarified.
The discussions at Burma Camp marked a pivotal moment as West African military chiefs assessed the potential for military intervention to bring a swift resolution to the crisis in Niger.
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