A delegation from the West African organisation arrived in Niger on Saturday for discussions with the military junta that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
According to AFP, sources close to the Economic Community of West African States disclosed this.
ECOWAS decided to mobilise a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger following the detention of Bazoum by generals on July 26.
The ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, arrived in Niger, according to the country’s ruling military council, a day after the military commanders of the bloc declared they were prepared to intervene to reinstate Bazoum.
Earlier ECOWAS mission headed by Abubakar attempted to meet Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, earlier this month but was unsuccessful.
According to a source close to the most recent delegation, it will see Bazoum and deliver “a message of firmness” to the army officers.
ECOWAS defence officials convened on August 17 and 18, 2023 in Accra, Ghana, to finalise plans for a future military action to retake Bazoum if continuing talks with the coup leaders fall down.
An ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said on Friday after the military chiefs’ meeting “We are ready to go any time the order is given.
“The D-Day is also decided.”
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