Economic Community of West African States bloc activated ‘standby force’ to restore democracy in Niger but has yet to deploy it
On Tuesday, the junta-appointed Niger prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, visited neighbouring Chad and met its president, Mahamat Idriss Déby, to seek support.
According to the group, the recruitment drive will launch on Saturday in Niamey as well as in cities where invasion forces might enter, such as near the borders with Nigeria and Benin, two countries that have said they would participate in an intervention. Regional tensions are deepening as the standoff between Niger and Ecowas shows no sign of defusing despite signals from both sides that they are open to resolving the crisis peacefully. Last week the junta said it was open to dialogue with Ecowas after rebuffing the bloc’s multiple efforts at talks, but shortly afterwards said it would charge Bazoum with “high treason” and recalled its ambassador from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Niger was seen as one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region south of the Sahara, and a partner for western nations in the effort to beat back growing jihadist violence linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. France, its former colonial ruler, and the US have approximately 2,500 military personnel in the region who train Niger’s military and, in the case of France, conduct joint operations.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China stops publishing data on youth unemployment as economic worries deepenMove comes as central bank unexpectedly cuts key interest rate, showing economic concern
Read more »
Dublin Zoo to add shelters to African animals' enclosure following inspectionOverall, the National Parks and Wildlife Service found last year that animals in Dublin Zoo were very well cared for.
Read more »
The Irish Times view on Dublin city centre: it is clear that new approaches are neededA more pro-active response from the Garda is necessary, but the twin problems of homelessness and economic marginalisation of inner-city communities mean any solution must be multi-faceted
Read more »
Reserve of ex-Defence Forces personnel down to just three officersFirst Line Reserve is made up of retired Defence Forces personnel who can be called up in an emergency to supplement the military
Read more »
Sky Sports pundit proposes second F1 championship after Verstappen quit threatMax Verstappen holds a healthy lead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship, and desperate measures are being put forward with his title defence looking like a formality
Read more »
Dublin Zoo to add shelters to African animals' enclosure following inspectionOverall, the National Parks and Wildlife Service found last year that animals in Dublin Zoo were very well cared for.
Read more »