The recent decision by the ECOWAS to authorize intervention in Niger has stirred expectations of renewed dialogue, yet initial discussions between the involved parties indicate a persistent status quo.
During the recent meeting between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation and coup leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani, a careful assessment of each party's stance took place. General Tchiani, in a post-meeting statement on state television, underlined Niger's willingness to engage in dialogue, asserting, “Neither the army nor the people of Niger want war, but we will resist any manifestation of it." The coup leader outlined a "3-year transition of power" proposal to the ECOWAS delegation for a transition to democracy. Accusing ECOWAS of preparing to attack Niger with an invasion force, Tchiani stated, "If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think." Prior to Tchiani, the ECOWAS delegation had also met with Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Meanwhile, in Niger, thousands of individuals have formed long queues to enlist in a volunteer militia force in response to the possibility of a military intervention by ECOWAS following the coup on July 26th. Volunteers congregated at General Seyni Kountche Stadium in the capital Niamey, aiming to join the Civilian Volunteer Defense Force (VDN). The volunteer militias in Niger are expected to assist the military administration not only in armed combat but also in medical care, logistics, technical, and engineering aspects when required. ECOWAS declared the readiness of troops for immediate intervention, yet the exact commencement date of this prospective operation was not disclosed.
Translated by: Khan Muhammad An Nazmus Saqib
