WEST AFRICA’S defence leaders gathered today to discuss possible military force in Niger following their failed ultimatum attempt on junta leaders.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) met in Ghana after it demanded that soldiers reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face military intervention.

It is unclear if or when the bloc will take action, which would include several thousands of soldiers from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin and could take months to prepare.

Ecowas has a poor track record in acting in the region’s coups, with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali having each has two within three years.

It has currently imposed severe economic and travel sanctions against Niger.

The African Union, which met on Monday to discuss whether it would support military intervention, and the United Nations security council could overrule such a move if they feel a wider stability on the continent was threatened by it.

But Ecowas commissioner for peace and security Abdel-Fatau Musah said today that the bloc was working with the UN and did not “need any approval from the security council to find a solution to the crisis.”

Before the coup, more than four million people in Niger needed humanitarian assistance, a number that is now expected to surge, aid groups warn.

“With the closure of land and air borders, it’s hard to bring aid into the country,” said UN resident co-ordinator Louise Aubin.

“Supplies such as food and vaccines could run out. It’s unclear how long the current stock will last.”

The coup has also given the opportunity for jihadist extremists to increase their violence and move around more freely.

On Tuesday, at least 17 soldiers were killed in Tillaberi in the biggest attack in months.