Reports emerging from Niger Republic says that thousands of civilians cues to be recruited into the country’s volunteer military to beef up support for the military junta against the ECOWAS forces.

Recall that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had imposed sanctions and threatened military action against Niger coup leaders if they failed to release and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup on 26th July 2023. However, ECOWAS has also said it would explore the path of diplomacy to resolve the political crisis.

“I want to be a soldier for the love of my country. What’s more, Niger is our country. I want to commit myself to Niger. Long live Niger!” one of the volunteers, Mamadou exclaimed.