Senegal's armed forces are reportedly making preparations for a potential deployment to Benin, possibly indicating an upcoming intervention in Niger under the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This information was disclosed by the Seneweb portal on Wednesday, citing informed sources.
According to these sources, Air Senegal has been assigned the task of facilitating the transportation of approximately 900 mobilized soldiers and military equipment to the city of Cotonou, which could serve as a logistical hub for the ECOWAS intervention force.
Reports indicate that the Senegalese authorities have initiated a mobilization effort, as highlighted by a memo from General Mbaye Cisse, the chief of the general staff of the armed forces, as reported by the Senegalese newspaper L'Observateur. The memo, dated August 11, called for military personnel to assemble in the city of Thiès in the western part of the country.
In late July, a faction of military officers within Niger's presidential guard initiated a mutiny and proclaimed the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from power. This led to the establishment of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to assume governance of the nation. In response, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed stringent sanctions on Niger and demanded the immediate release of Bazoum, while also warning of potential use of force. Abdel Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Politics, Peace, and Security of ECOWAS, previously noted that a specific commencement date for military intervention in Niger had been determined, although it has yet to be officially announced.
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Based on materials from TASS