Report that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is planning military action in Niger is troubling considering the humanitarian condition of the country.
Development Diaries reports that political tensions in Niger started after the head of the country’s Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum and declared himself head of state.
In a swift response, the ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, vowed that the regional bloc will go hard on the coup plotters, with the body slamming heavy sanctions on one of the poorest countries in the world.
Part of the sanctions include a travel ban and a blockade on Niger until the reinstatement of Bazoum.
Also, Nigeria has cut off power supply to Niger, with ECOWAS further threatening the use of force.
Meanwhile, fellow West African countries, Burkina Faso and Mali, have warned that any military intervention in Niger will be considered a declaration of war against them.
If the unfolding crisis in the country is not carefully addressed, it could result in a regional crisis.
According to the United Nations, the effects of the crisis in the country will negatively impact the development and lives of the population in a country where 4.3 million people need humanitarian assistance.
Already, Nigeria is faced with widespread security challenges, including banditary in the north-central and northwest, terrorism in the northeast, and separatist unrest in the southeast.
The Nigerian army, one of the biggest in the area, is already under stress from numerous fronts and is already failing to maintain peace in the country while being underfunded and underequipped.
Moreso, a military intervention would require massive financial implications, with Nigeria already going through an economic crisis.
Besides, a wide range of complex humanitarian needs is present in Niger due to the country’s financial struggles, growing conflict-related violence, and natural disasters.
Development Diaries calls on ECOWAS to avoid military intervention in Niger considering the already volatile situation in the Sahel region.
Photo source: AFP
