NIAMEY—A year ago, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that its military forces were prepared to intervene in Niger to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power. Bazoum had been ousted from office on July 26, 2023, following a military coup.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the regional bloc’s forces were “ready to intervene” in Niger as soon as they received the green light from West African leaders. Musah made this statement following a meeting of the chiefs of staff of the West African armies held in Accra on August 18, 2023. Musah also mentioned that the date for the intervention had been determined, pending the final order.

France expressed support for ECOWAS’s decisions, which included an August 10, 2023, directive to deploy a “standby force” aimed at restoring constitutional order in Niger. Ivorian President Alassane Dramane Ouattara stated that the force should intervene “as quickly as possible.” However, the prospect of military action prompted Burkina Faso’s President to warn that his country would align with Nigerien forces if ECOWAS proceeded with its plans.

On August 30, 2023, Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers decided to send soldiers to support the Nigerien people in response to ECOWAS’s ultimatum issued on August 7, 2023. The ultimatum indicated that force might be used to reinstate Bazoum if necessary. While ECOWAS has not officially abandoned its plans for military intervention, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the regional organization in January 2024, citing its deviation from initial ideals and subjugation to foreign powers.

In June 2024, ECOWAS announced the formation of an anti-terrorist force, which is yet to be implemented.