The political crisis in Niger took a serious turn yesterday as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced it is assembling a standby military force to restore constitutional order in the country. This comes 16 days after a military coup overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest. The coup leaders have refused demands to release Bazoum and reinstate the democratic government, despite economic sanctions and threats of intervention. ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja on Thursday to determine a course of action. The United States and European Union echoed ECOWAS’ call for a peaceful path forward, urging the coup leaders to engage in dialogue.

Source: Libya Today August 11, 2023 16:29 UTC