Niger junta-ECOWAS standoff: ‘Diplomatic solution’ unlikely, military intervention ‘horribly risky’

Tensions are escalating between Niger’s new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger’s flailing democracy. Meanwhile, the African Union said on Friday it supports West African regional bloc ECOWAS’ decisions on Niger and called on the international community to save the life of President Mohamed Bazoum, whose detention conditions are deteriorating. With the junta refusing any possibility of backing down, ECOWAS is keeping all options on the table, including possible military force to overturn Niger’s coup. As West African nations activate a standby force and prepare to send troops to restore democracy in Niger, FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Dr. Michael Shurkin, Director of Global Programs at 14 North Strategies, Founder and President of Shurbros Global Strategies, nonresident Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center, and former CIA Analyst. Describing it as the “least worst option,” Dr. Shurkin speculates that sooner or later “everybody is going to be acquiescing to a military junta in Niger.”