ECOWAS Orders Standby Force Against Niger Junta Amid US Support, Biden Wants Funds To Counter Wagner

West African bloc ECOWAS has directed the deployment of a “standby force” to “restore democracy in Niger". Following the summit, the Ivory Coast President said that an intervention will take place "as soon as possible". The Nigerian president has also warned that all options “including the use of force” remained on the table to restore constitutional order in Niger.US President Biden has sought $200 million to support African countries where Russia’s Wagner mercenary group operate. Meanwhile, Niger’s junta reportedly told a top US diplomat that they would kill deposed President Bazoum if any military intervention is attempted.