Africa
Niger Witnesses Influx Of Volunteers For Military, As ECOWAS Intervention Concerns Rise
The commissioner for political affairs and security within ECOWAS emphasized their readiness to dispatch a standby force in the event that negotiations were unsuccessful.
Thousands of people assembled in queues outside Niamey’s main stadium on Saturday, August 19th, in direct response to the call for civilian auxiliaries, demonstrating their willingness to provide support to the armed forces.
According to the event organizer, the junta was not directly engaged in this initiative, although it had knowledge of the event.
In the meantime, neighboring countries have issued warnings to the Nigerien junta, hinting at the potential for military intervention.
“I’ve heard there that they need 5,000 or 10,000 volunteer soldiers. That’s why I came here,” Abdoulaye who is a footballer said.
Some parents accompanied their children to enrol, while certain individuals mentioned they had arrived as early as 3 a.m. to heed the call from multiple organizations.
Amidst the fervour, young individuals chanted in support of the junta and expressed opposition towards ECOWAS, as well as France – the nation’s former colonial power.
Championed by a collective of Niamey residents, the initiative has set its sights on enlisting tens of thousands of volunteers from all corners of the nation. Their mission: to join the ranks of the “Volunteers for the Defense of Niger.”
As outlined by Amsarou Bako, one of the founders who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday, August 8th, the group’s roles encompass a range of functions. These include combat duties, medical support, as well as technical and engineering logistics. These efforts are intended to be at the junta’s disposal in case assistance is required.
“I’m a military mother, we’re waiting for you, young volunteers. From now until tomorrow, that’s what I had to say, wa-Allah. We’re waiting for you, I hope you’ll get us out of all these difficulties,” an activist who was not named told cheerign crowds.
On Saturday, August 19th, ECOWAS envoys arrived in Niger with the objective of engaging in additional dialogues with the junta.
The envoy delegation is comprised of individuals such as former Nigerian military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as confirmed by the communication office of the Nigerien ruling CNSP.
Abubakar had previously journeyed to Niamey on August 3rd as an envoy of ECOWAS. However, during that visit, he was unable to hold discussions with both the newly established figure of authority, Abdourahamane Tchiani, and the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum.
On Friday, August 18th, the commissioner for political affairs and security within ECOWAS emphasized their readiness to dispatch a standby force in the event that negotiations were unsuccessful.