Victor EzejaCape Verde has jettisoned the idea of military intervention in Niger, joining other countries like Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo.
The country’s president, Jose Maria Neves, said the political crisis in Niger should be handled diplomatically, adding that military intervention would worsen the situation.
A report by AFP quoted him as saying: “We all should work to restore constitutional order in Niger but in no way through military intervention or an armed conflict at this point.
“We should actively engage in talks and resolve issues diplomatically because any military intervention will make the situation worse, turning the region into an explosive zone.”
The Economic Community of West African States slammed severe sanctions on Niger following the refusal of the military junta to release President, Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed in a coup on July 26.
ECOWAS subsequently, during its in Abuja Nigeria, on Thursday, ordered the activation and deployment of its standby force to Niger to restore constitutional order.
However, a meeting of defence chiefs of ECOWAS member states scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, August 12, to finalise plans on the deployment of troops to Niger Republic, was unexpectedly called off. This might not be unconnected with the fact that ECOWAS member states are divided on the need for such an intervention at this time. Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo had earlier declined to take a position on the proposed military intervention in Niger.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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