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CNN: ECOWAS orders ‘immediate activation’ of standby force in Niger  

West African leaders on Thursday ramped up the rhetoric against Niger’s coup leaders, ordering the “activation” and the “deployment” of a regional standby force to restore constitutional order in the coup-hit country. 

Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria after the expiration of the one-week ultimatum they gave to the Niger’s military junta, leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for a deployment “to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger,” according to a statement read by Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. 

 It was not immediately clear what the “deployment” and “activation” of the force would entail. 

The statement also emphasized a “determination to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”  

Read more …. 

 WNU Editor: There is a great deal of expectation that France will be part of this ECOWAS intervention force. But there a lot of eyes are on what will the US do. There are currently over 1,000 US soldiers in Niger …. U.S. Forces Under ‘Protection Measures’ As African Troops Deploy for Niger (Newsweek). 

My expectation is that the US is going to get involved. I view the visit earlier this week by U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland to Niger as a trip whose sole purpose was to deliver an ultimatum …. U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland Held ‘Difficult’ Talks With Niger’s Junta Officials (August 7, 2023).  

West African Nations Prepare To Send Troops To Niger 

West Africa army chiefs to meet in coming days to discuss Niger plans – spokesman — Reuters
 

Tensions rise as West African nations prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger — AP
 

West African Countries Plan to Deploy Standby Troops in Niger — Bloomberg
 

West African leaders activate standby force to put pressure on junta in Niger — The Guardian