West African nations on Friday worked on gathering troops for a possible military intervention in Niger as the leaders of an army coup resisted international calls for them to step down and restore the ousted president to office.
West African leaders gather for Economic Community of West African States Head of States and Government meeting in Abuja, Nigeria August 10, 2023. REUTERS/Abraham AchirgaECOWAS says still hopes for peaceful resolutionAssembling force will take time, leaving room for negotiationsmilitary intervention
ECOWAS - the Economic Community of West African States - said all options were on the table and it still hoped for a peaceful resolution to the Niger crisis. Most other Ecowas countries - including regional military heavyweight Nigeria which accounts for more than half the bloc's population and holds its rotating presidency - have so far declined to comment.
U.S., French, German and Italian troops are stationed in Niger as part of the fight against local affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State. Another student, Balla Souleymane, also angry with ECOWAS, said: "Deep down inside, I'm not afraid, I'm going about my business. I think this is just blackmail."
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