West African Militaries Convene to Discuss Potential Niger Intervention

West African army chiefs are holding talks in Ghana to finalize the details of a potential military intervention in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail to reverse the military coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. The discussions include logistics and other aspects of a possible deployment, with the use of force being a last resort. Most of the 15 member states of the West African bloc ECOWAS are prepared to participate in the standby force, except for Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde. Any escalation could further destabilize the Sahel region, which is already grappling with an Islamist insurgency. Niger's strategic importance, including its uranium and oil reserves, and its role in the fight against insurgent groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, adds to the significance of the situation.