"Niger on High Alert: Preparing for Potential Aggression and ECOWAS Attack"
The junta in Niger has ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert due to an increased threat of attack, according to an internal document. The West African bloc ECOWAS has been attempting to negotiate with the coup leaders but has also expressed readiness to deploy troops if diplomatic efforts fail. ECOWAS clarified that it has not declared war on Niger and is committed to diplomatic solutions, although intervention remains an option. The activation of a standby force by ECOWAS has raised concerns about further destabilization in the insurgency-torn Sahel region.