In a significant move signaling heightened tensions, Niger Republic’s coup leaders have deployed military personnel along its border with Benin, a neighbouring country, amidst growing concerns of a potential military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The alert was raised when a video surfaced on Monday, shared by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama, renowned for his insights into the Lake Chad region.
ECOWAS, in its mission to restore democracy and constitutional order in Niger Republic, previously directed the deployment of the sub-regional Standby Force on August 10 to stabilize the situation.
However, Makama’s revelation on his social media platform, X page (formerly Twitter), has shed light on the latest developments. According to him, the military junta in Niger has taken proactive measures by deploying personnel to the Benin border as a preemptive response to the possibility of an ECOWAS intervention.
Makama’s tweet emphasized the situation: “Niger deploys Military to the Niger-Beninese Border amidst imminent military intervention plans by ECOWAS.”
This deployment underscores the delicate balance of power and regional conflict concerns in West Africa.