The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has cautioned that the economic consequences of an ECOWAS intervention in Niger to reinstate constitutional governance could be severe.

This concern arises as ECOWAS member nations contemplate the possibility of military action against the junta in Niger.

Ambassador Abdul Musah, the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at ECOWAS, has clarified that while the organization is presently prioritizing diplomatic engagement with Niger's military leadership, any further defiance from the junta could prompt a response aimed at safeguarding the principles of the regional bloc.

In response to these developments, Theodora W. Anti, the Executive Director of FOSDA, has urged ECOWAS to remain steadfast in its pursuit of diplomatic solutions to the Niger crisis.

“When you look at the economic implications and the current economic situation we find ourselves in now, it’s dire. You look at the economic implication and even the military implication you will definitely record some casualties, bloodshed and we don’t want an ECOWAS that does such things against its own people.

“Whether it be military or civilian, I think ECOWAS should listen to the people and pursue diplomacy to the end. Diplomacy should be consistently persisted with this Niger issue,” madam Anti stated in an interview with Starrfm.com.gh.

She continued: “The junta has indicated that they are ready to talk and as the ECOWAS Commissioner has said all cards are on the table. And from my internal sources in ECOWAS they are actually pushing diplomacy more. It is just that somehow the media amplifies the military option more. So they should continue to intensify diplomatic intervention more. So that we come to a win solution to this.

In the meantime, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, a multitude of individuals formed queues outside the primary stadium in Niamey, Niger, in response to the appeal for civilian volunteers to back the armed forces.

The organizer of the event emphasized that the junta had no direct association with this effort, despite being informed about its occurrence.