“We have never engaged in discussions about our plans with any foreign power, whether they are present on the ground, in the air, or within their own countries. ECOWAS is making independent and autonomous decisions,” stated Musah.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed allegations of external powers influencing its efforts to address the political instability in Niger Republic.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized this during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.
Following the military coup that led to the toppling and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26th, the West African bloc has been working to restore political stability in Niger.
A meeting took place between ECOWAS and West African military defense chiefs in Accra, Ghana, to discuss a potential armed intervention to reverse the coup. However, accusations have arisen, suggesting foreign powers’ influence on ECOWAS decisions.
Musah clarified that foreign assistance is not a factor in the considerations of the West African body. He underscored that even if force is employed to remove the Junta, the involved parties, including ECOWAS, will maintain a neutral stance and make autonomous decisions.
“Our plans have never been discussed with any foreign power, whether they are present on the ground, in the air, or within their own countries. ECOWAS is making independent and autonomous decisions,” Musah affirmed.
He highlighted that ECOWAS has not taken into account the complexities involving individuals and entities with a presence on the ground.
“I have just returned from Accra, where the chiefs of defense staff finalized their preparations for a potential military intervention in the country. Foreign support was never part of our considerations. We are equipped with our own resources and equipment, and we are not seeking assistance from anyone.
The regional organization has imposed sanctions on Niger and has indicated the possibility of military action if the coup leaders fail to relinquish power to Bazoum. Some have alleged that ECOWAS is acting in accordance with directives from France.
“We are not concerned about who supports the use of force. Our position is that it’s one of the tools at our disposal to restore constitutional order. However, we have not exhausted the non-coercive elements within our constitutional framework for the country,” Musah elaborated.
