The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stated emphatically that it is considering all options including the use of force, to reinstate constitutional order in Niger following the coup that took place on July 26. The regional bloc also directed the activation of its standby force as tensions continue to escalate.
Following a summit of ECOWAS heads of state held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the organization reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanctions and travel bans on individuals obstructing the return to power of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who serves as the ECOWAS chair, affirmed, “No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey towards peaceful democratic stability,” he said.
“I hope that through our collective effort, we can bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger. All is not lost yet.”
Tinubu expressed hope for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of stability and democracy in Niger, emphasizing that there is still potential for positive outcomes.
Subsequent to Tinubu’s statement, an official communique was read, detailing the summit’s outcomes.
One resolution called for the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, while another directed the deployment of the force to restore constitutional order in Niger. The communique also highlighted the intention to achieve this restoration through peaceful means.
The military junta in Niamey, Niger’s capital, had rejected ECOWAS’ August 6 deadline to step down and in defiance closed the country’s airspace while pledging to defend against foreign intervention.
The defence chiefs of ECOWAS had previously devised plans for potential military involvement in Niger, which were discussed during the summit. However, the communique did not specify when or under what circumstances a deployment within Niger might occur.”
