By Buba Gagigo
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the activation of a standby military force against the military junta in Niger. This decision comes after the junta failed to heed ECOWAS’ ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum as the Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger.
ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday to discuss the situation in Niger. They expressed their grave concern about the junta’s refusal to step down and their commitment to restoring constitutional order in the country.
Omar Alieu Touray, the president of ECOWAS, made the declaration while reading the resolution of the second extraordinary ECOWAS meeting on the Niger coup d’état, held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday.
“All diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger. Taking note of the expiration of the one-week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, decides as follows:
a) reiterated its strong condemnation of the “attempted” coup d’état and the continued “illegal” detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of his government.
b) further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CNSP fully and surely responsible for the safety, security, and physical integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family, and the government.
c) Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary summit held on Niger on July 30, 2023. Underscore the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“Enforce all measures, in particular border closures, strict travel bans, and asset strings, on all persons or groups of individuals whose actions hinder all peaceful efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order. Warn member states who, by their actions, directly or indirectly, hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the community,” ECOWAS said.
ECOWAS also called on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.
“Further call on all partner countries and institutions, including the United Nations, to support ECOWAS in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order in conformity with its normative instruments. Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.
“Direct the committee of the chief of defense staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately. Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Underscores its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means,” ECOWAS said.