By David Kabiyesi
In a desperate bid to wade off external threats and likely invasion by Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), head of Niger Republic military junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has backed calls by locals for immediate recruitment of volunteers that are ready to defend their motherlands.
Although General Tchiani has called for dialogue with regional body, but he seems not to trust his closest neighbour, Nigeria anymore, and in a desperate bid not to be caught unawares, he has called for more civilians to join the army ahead of of impending invasion
The call for volunteers, spearhead by a group of locals in Niamey, aims to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country to register for the Volunteers for the Defense of Niger, to fight, assist with medical care, and provide technical and engineering logistics among other functions, in case the junta needs help, Amsarou Bako, one of the founders, said.
“It’s an eventuality. We need to be ready whenever it happens,” he said. The recruitment drive will launch Saturday in Niamey as well as in cities where invasion forces might enter, such as near the borders with Nigeria and Benin, two countries, which have said they would participate in an intervention. Anyone over 18 can register and the list will be given to the junta to call upon people if needed, said Bako. The junta is not involved, but is aware of the initiative, he said.
