The U.S. administration has underscored its strong support for the principled stand taken by ECOWAS in defense of democracy and constitutional order in Niger. They also discussed the important role that democracy and development play in contributing to stability and security in the Sahel. Algeria has repeatedly said it was against military intervention as ECOWAS says it has chosen an undisclosed “D-Day” for a possible military intervention to restore Niger’s democratically elected president following the coup. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the ECOWAS bloc, said that military forces are “ready to go anytime the order is given” for military intervention in Niger. Last week, ECOWAS ordered the “activation” of a regional standby force to prepare itself to enter Niger, which was taken over by a military junta on July 26.
