BREAKING: ECOWAS activates standby force to confront Niger Junta

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a directive to its standby force, mandating them to reinstate the constitutional framework in the Republic of Niger.

This directive arises in response to ECOWAS’ deliberation on the coup in Niger during an extraordinary meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, communicated this decision while presenting the regional organization’s resolution on Thursday in Abuja.

ECOWAS noted that despite multiple attempts to engage in dialogue with the military junta, their overtures have been consistently rebuffed by the coup leaders. Additionally, ECOWAS condemned the ongoing detention of the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

Furthermore, the regional entity appealed to the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to endorse and assist in executing the resolution.

The resolution, in part, states: “Instruct the Chief of Defence Staff committee to promptly activate the ECOWAS standby force, complete with all its components.

Authorize the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to reestablish the constitutional order within the Republic of Niger.

Reiterate its steadfast dedication to achieving the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”