According to Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall, Senegal is ready to engage in a potential military intervention in Niger if ECOWAS, the organization of West African states, decides on such action in response to the putsch in Niamey. This statement was made on Thursday, indicating Senegal’s willingness to actively support regional efforts aimed at addressing the situation in Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Niger is the fourth member state out of 15 to undergo a military takeover since 2020, has issued a clear ultimatum to the Niamey junta. They demand the prompt restoration of the overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum to his rightful position. If the junta fails to comply by Sunday, ECOWAS warns that it may resort to the use of force as a potential measure to address the situation. This stance reflects the regional body’s strong stance against unconstitutional changes of government and underscores its commitment to maintaining stability and democratic principles in the West African region.
Top military officials from ECOWAS member states began a meeting in Nigeria on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Niger.
During a government press briefing in Dakar, the Senegalese minister elaborated on the reasons necessitating the deployment of Senegalese “soldiers” to the mentioned location.
“The first reason is that we are part of a regional community organization,” she stated. “Senegal has made international commitments, and as a member of ECOWAS, we cannot disregard its decisions,” she emphasized during the briefing in Dakar.
“The second reason is Senegal’s strong conviction that these coups must be halted, and that is precisely why we are taking action by deploying our forces there,” she asserted during the government press briefing in Dakar.