By John Ikani
Niger’s military has begun deploying troops along its border with the neighbouring nation of Benin in anticipation of a potential military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst based in the Lake Chad region.
On Monday, Makama shared a video on X that clearly depicted Niger’s military positioning themselves along the Beninese border, as they prepare for the imminent military intervention by ECOWAS.
In his post, Makama succinctly stated, “Niger deploys Military to the Niger-Beninese Border amidst eminent Military intervention plans of ECOWAS.”
Heritage Times HT had reported on ECOWAS issuing a warning of potential military action against the junta that had seized power in Niger and suspended the nation’s constitution.
The power shift occurred when military leaders took control, ousting the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum has been placed under house arrest since the takeover, and global leaders have been advocating for his release.
ECOWAS had previously explored diplomatic avenues to resolve the crisis in Niger.
Last month, during an extraordinary meeting held in Abuja, the organization ordered its standby force to act in order to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
However, the military team from ECOWAS has not yet launched an invasion of Niger.
See the video below.
Niger 🇳🇪 deploys Military to the Niger- Beninese Border amidst eminent Military intervention plans of ECOWAS. pic.twitter.com/So4QlwQze7
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) September 11, 2023
