ECOWAS orders ‘standby force’ deployment to restore Niger government

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a directive for its standby force to intervene and restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

This was announced on Thursday by President Omar Alieu Touray after an Extraordinary meeting of ECOWAS in Abuja regarding the Niger coup.

The sub-regional body also urged the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to lend their support to the resolution.

ECOWAS noted that despite its persistent efforts to engage in dialogue with the Niger military junta, their attempts have been met with refusal by the coup leaders. The detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members has been strongly criticized.

The resolution partly reads: “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS stand-by 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.”