Thousands of Nigerians lined up to register as volunteer troops on Sunday (20/8/2023). This is because the military government and citizens are worried about the threat of ECOWAS military intervention in their country.
The situation in the West African region continued to heat up after the military junta carried out a coup in Niger. Meanwhile, ECOWAS member countries continue to urge the military to immediately hand back power to President Mohamed Bazoum.

1. Organizers are overwhelmed with registration

Thousands of predominantly male residents have gathered in front of the national stadium in Niamey. They even got together before the registration schedule opened. The registration schedule was announced last Thursday.
“According to calculations, we didn’t even think about mobilizing this many people,” said Younoussa Hima, one of the organizers of the Youth Mobilization Initiative for the Motherland, reported by Reuters.
“It is very difficult for us today to complete everything. Therefore, we are forced to temporarily stop this military volunteer enlistment census,” he added.
He added that this plan was not aimed at incorporating them into the military personnel. However, only to include them in the volunteer army that fights when ECOWAS attacks Niger.

2. Registration is organized by sympathizers of the military junta

Organizers say the military junta had no part in the initiative. However, this action is a form of citizen support for the military government in Niger, if ECOWAS intervenes.
A number of youths are known to be lining up to register volunteers. After knowing the country needs thousands of new troops. In fact, a number of parents registered their children to become volunteer troops named Mamadou, quoted by Africa News.
“I want to be a soldier for this country that I love. Moreover, Niger is our country. I want to commit myself to Niger. Long live Niger!” said one of the volunteers. That’s why I came here,” said Abdoulaye who claimed to be a soccer player.

3. Niger’s military junta announces period of national dialogue

The government of Niger and the National Security Council (CNSP) have expressed concern about the possibility of ECOWAS military intervention in their country.
However, to be clear, if there is an attack against us, we will not allow it, as everyone thinks,” the CNSP said in a statement. .
The President of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, said that the ambition of the coup was not to seize power. He also announced a period of national dialogue based on a new constitution.
“Within this framework, all parties will be invited to consult on the transition and we will make a concrete proposal within 30 days, which includes finding the fundamental principles and priorities of the transition which will not last more than a few months,” he explained.

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