African Unity in Action as ECOWAS Orders Standby Force Against Niger Junta
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued an official directive for its standby force to intervene and reestablish constitutional order within the Republic of Niger.
This decision, as obtained by Excel Magazine International, stemmed from the comprehensive discussions held during the ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The announcement was made by the President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, who articulated the resolution in the Nigerian capital.
ECOWAS has expressed its frustration with the unyielding stance of the military junta, which has consistently rejected attempts at dialogue. Furthermore, the organization strongly condemned the ongoing detention of the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
In addition, ECOWAS has appealed to the African Union (AU), collaborating nations, and institutions to provide support for this resolution.
The specific aspects of the resolution are as follows:
1. Direct the Chief of Defence Staff committee to immediately activate the ECOWAS standby force, deploying all its elements.
2. Order the swift deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to reinstate constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
3. Reiterate its unwavering commitment to achieving the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful and diplomatic means.
