ECOWAS envoy sends message to Niger if Bazoum is harmed

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), has delivered a stern message to the Niger junta, cautioning them of severe repercussions should any harm befall President Mohamed Bazoum. This warning comes in response to the junta’s threat to execute Bazoum if military intervention occurs against Niger.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Ambassador Musah revealed distressing details about President Bazoum’s situation. He disclosed that both President Bazoum and his son are currently in the custody of the military rulers, who have denied them access to essential necessities like food and medical care. The ambassador underscored the dire conditions under which they are living, providing context for ECOWAS’ decision to mobilize a standby force.

Ambassador Musah emphasized that the West African regional bloc cannot stand idly by, relying solely on the goodwill of the coup leaders after they disrupted the democratic order in Niger. He elucidated, “We are going there, if need be, to rescue President Bazoum who is living in very terrible conditions today. He is being denied medical attention, he’s being denied even access to his usual food.”

The envoy further clarified ECOWAS’ stance on the matter, asserting that the junta will face severe consequences if any harm comes to President Bazoum, his family, or members of his government. The commissioner emphasized the gravity of this warning, stating unequivocally, “If they dare, if they should harm in any way, then they are going to pay very dearly for that. So, this is a tactic.”

The collective response from the regional bloc was evident when heads of state convened for an extraordinary summit in Abuja on Thursday. Their discussions centered on resolving the crisis in Niger, with a focus on diplomatic solutions while still keeping the option of military intervention on the table.