ECOWAS orders Standby Force to restore constitutional order in Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a directive for its standby force to intervene and reinstate constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. This decision was reached during an ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, in response to the recent coup in Niger.

President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, announced the resolution of the regional body during the meeting. The order comes after the regional organization’s efforts to engage in dialogue with the military junta were met with defiance from coup leaders. Additionally, ECOWAS expressed strong condemnation for the continued detention of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

ECOWAS emphasized that despite its attempts to engage in peaceful dialogue, the actions of the coup leaders compelled the organization to take decisive action. The regional body has also called upon the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to stand in support of the resolution adopted.

The official resolution stated, “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence 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. Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”