US GOVERNMENT LEAVING NIGER AHEAD OF ECOWAS INTERVENTION

As ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense staff have rounded up their two-day meeting in Ghana with a warning. They stated they gathered for the potential invasion of Niger and are awaiting the order to invade. However, all ECOWAS countries will contribute troops for the military intervention in Niger, except those under suspension or military rule. This includes Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde.

Additional statements were made by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdul Fatau Musa, but we'll address those later. The situation appears bleak, indicating an imminent invasion of Niger. This raises the question of whether the United States is preparing to evacuate their drone bases in Niger. The Air Force Commander for Africa disclosed plans to evacuate drone bases, even if unrelated to the impending Niger invasion.

In Niger, the military has made it challenging for Americans to continue operations due to the closed airspace. The U.S. forces need permission for flights, not all of which are approved. Given this situation, if the United States is neutral, leaving seems logical. It's important to appreciate assistance; U.S. taxpayers might be unhappy if gestures aren't reciprocated. In this situation, most would likely choose the return of U.S. forces.

Moreover, leaving during chaos might involve abandoning equipment, as seen in Afghanistan. So, why not leave early if asked? Nigerians have rallied near French military bases, urging them to leave. It's unclear if the same happened at the U.S. base in Miami or Agadez. Despite insurgency, the U.S. presence claims to aid Niger; however, demands to close U.S. bases loom.

The U.S. might have no choice but to leave if required. Nigerians are capable of monitoring threats with their drones. Each nation should defend itself; relying on others is less than ideal. Niger didn't request U.S. bases; they were proposed and accepted. If Niger no longer wants drone bases, the U.S. will close them. The U.S. might not label the situation a coup, seeking diplomacy for Bazzoum's return.

Considering the military's popularity in Niger, Bazzoum's return is uncertain. Some military ranks are evacuating families to Burkina Faso and Dubai, indicating intelligence on imminent invasion. This aligns with U.S. preparations to evacuate their bases. However, Indonesia's actions seem contradictory, violating its anti-military-incursion constitution.

Mr. Fatau Musa and ECOWAS leaders should understand no constitution allows for a military coup. Constitutions often address unsuccessful coups as treason. If successful, it becomes a revolution. ECOWAS or ECOMOG can't intervene in a successful coup. Many West African constitutions stem from military regimes; ECOWAS leaders shouldn't declare war on Nigeria.

In this situation, ECOWAS leaders should solve their issues rather than escalating conflict. Their approach seems insincere, urging negotiation but threatening military intervention. The focus should be on Niger's welfare, not prolonging conflict. ECOWAS should retract sanctions as Niger requested.

Corrupt politicians using unconstitutional means worsen situations. ECOWAS should consider these aspects before intervening. The root causes of military coups vary, often stemming from corruption or the need for justice. Democracy should bring progress. A peaceful transition is preferable; military interventions are complex.

Considering insurgency, military intervention in Niger isn't justified. ECOWAS should contemplate the wider impact. Mobilizing Niger's youth for conflict is unwise; the funds could benefit many. Conflict's complications make joy preferable to war. Nigeria and the Sahel region already face insurgency; adding conflict is counterproductive.

imagine what will happen when another conflict breaks out in the region.

Africa must stand up for the truth especially starting with our leaders, they must first of all accept their mistakes and bring up solutions; then we can as a region be ready for wholistic development and inturn be in the lime light of development.