Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, addresses supporters of Niger’s ruling junta in Niamey on Aug. 6, 2023. The junta ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert on Aug. 25, 2023.
Al Jazeera: Niger puts military on ‘maximum alert’ over ECOWAS attack fears
Move comes as thousands gather at a stadium in the capital Niamey in support of the coup-makers.
The new military rulers in Niger ordered the armed forces to go on maximum alert citing an increased threat of attack.
The main West African bloc 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.
An internal document issued by its defence chief, which was shared widely online on Saturday, said the order to be on the highest state of readiness would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and “avoid a general surprise”.
“Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt,” it said.
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Update #1: Niger orders troops to go on ‘maximum alert’ (Reuters)
Update #2: Niger preparing against possibility of aggression as tensions run high (Anadolu Agency)
Update #3: Niger junta orders troops on maximum alert in case of attack (France 24)
WNU Editor: The French Ambassador has also been told to leave the country …. Niger junta gives French envoy 48 hours to leave (DW).