As the seven-day ultimatum given by West African leaders for the military in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum draws to a close, both sides face pivotal choices.
The regional bloc Ecowas, led by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, warned of possible force if the junta does not restore constitutional order.
Read also
Sanctions have been imposed, borders closed, and electricity supplies cut, pushing the country towards isolation.
As the deadline approaches, here are the potential scenarios:
Extension of Deadline
Ecowas may opt to extend the deadline to allow for more diplomatic efforts. This could be seen as a climbdown, yet if portrayed as giving diplomacy a chance, it might save face for the leaders.
Agreement on Transition Timetable
To defuse tensions, both the junta and Ecowas could agree on a roadmap to democratic rule. This might include releasing President Bazoum and political detainees to facilitate talks and maintain stability.
Military Intervention
Ecowas has left the possibility of force on the table. While this has been used before, challenges are formidable. Niger‘s size and Nigeria's domestic security concerns complicate any intervention. Mali and Burkina Faso warn intervention could escalate into a regional conflict.
As the situation unfolds, international voices emphasize dialogue to avoid further turmoil. Ecowas has drafted a military intervention plan, with Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Benin expressing readiness to deploy troops if necessary.
Thanks for reading this story, your comments are welcome; share them in the comments section below.
Send us your press releases and news stories at [email protected], or via WhatsApp on +233550919202.
We appreciate your support for The Ghanaian Standard and our role in stemming disinformation; Kindly consider making a donation of any amount to help cover the cost of quality journalism by clicking here .
Follow GhStandard on 
Install The Ghanaian Standard android app for a seamless breaking news updates 
