Victor EzejaThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has ordered the “activation” of its standby force to restore democratic order in the Niger Republic.
This was made known in a communique issued after the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting held in Abuja on Thursday to discuss issues about the military take over of government in Niger.
The communique which contained the resolutions of the regional body on the Niger coup was read by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray.
It said the resolutions were reached after considering reports of envoys and also carefully deliberating the proposal of ECOWAS defense chiefs as well as other submissions by the ECOWAS Commission.
The regional body said it would explore all options on the table to restore constitutional order in the West African nation.
It said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic coup leaders were “defiantly” rejected.
The resolution comes hours after the leaders of July 26 military coup that outsted President Mohammed Bazoum, formed an interim government with Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as Prime Minister to lead 21-member cabinet.
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ECOWAS also called on the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
READ ALSO: Niger Coup: Tinubu Calls For Diplomatic Approach Against Military Action
Part of the communique read: “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 stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
The regional body expressed gratitude to his Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Head of States for convening the extraordinary summit and for the manner in which he has been conducting.
It also expressed appreciation to His Excellency General Abdusalami Abubakar, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe for the special envoy missions undertaken in Niger, Libya, and Algeria on behalf of the Chair of authority.
Speaking earlier in his address, President Tinubu said the regional bloc will continue to champion diplomacy and dialogue, as well as earnest discussions with all parties involved, to restore constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.
Tinubu said: “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.
“It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”
The Nigerian leader called on ECOWAS leaders to recognise the fact that “the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
”By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all,” he said.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote ‘d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo, while Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their Foreign Ministers.
Non-ECOWAS leaders, such as the Mauritanian and Burundian presidents, also attended.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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