The planning of troop deployment to Niger to restore democracy, according to West African leaders, is ongoing, but it will not stop until the junta formally agrees to hold negotiations with them.
Abdel Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), told the BBC in an exclusive interview that the junta is unwilling to engage in direct communication with them, making negotiations challenging.
When the military will be deployed is unknown, but Ecowas claims that they will not continue to dialogue indefinitely.
Mr. Musah claims that unlike their counterparts in Burkina Faso and Mali, Ecowas will not permit the junta to rule for a brief period.
According to Mr. Musah, leaders in West Africa have been able to contact ousted President Mohamed Bazoum using irregular channels of communication. They claim that Bazoum is suffering from deplorable living conditions, is uncared for, and is secluded from the outside world.
The Ecowas official also said Mr. Bazoum has so far resisted attempts by soldiers to coerce him into signing his resignation letter.
The time for restoring democracy to the landlocked nation of Niger is running out with a new government in place.
The funding for the troop deployment comes from the member states, and although the regional bloc says it will not request outside assistance, it is appreciated.
Source-BBC
