ECOWAS directs deployment of standby force to ‘restore constitutional order’ in Niger

The Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS, has given the go-ahead for standby Force to be sent to the Niger Republic.

This was part of the Communique that was read at the end of the second Extraordinary Summit that was held in the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, was the one who read it.

The Communique issued the following directive: “the Committee of the chief of defense staff is hereby directed to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all of its elements immediately.”

In addition to this directive, it specifically ordered “the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”

The following is an excerpt from the communique: “The Authority having studied the memorandum provided by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last special summit;

“And having studied the reports of the chair’s envoys to Niger as well as many other areas;”

“carefully studied the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff;

“addressed at length the most recent happenings in Niger since the previous extraordinary summit, which took place on the 30th of July 2023.”

“Noting that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis, have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger; “taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:” “Noting that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis, have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the

“A. Restates its strong disapproval of the attempted coup d’etat and the prolonged illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family, and members of his government.

“B. Further condemns the condition in which President Bazoum is being detained and holds the CNSP totally and solely responsible for the safety, security, and bodily integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family, and members of the government.

“C. Uphold all of the measures and principles that were agreed upon at the extraordinary Summit that took place in Niger on July 30th, 2023.”

“D. Emphasize the firm resolve of the ECOWAS authorities to continue exploring all possibilities for a peaceful resolution to the problem.”

“E. Put into effect all measures, including but not limited to border closures, stringent travel bans, and asset freezes against any and all persons or groups of individuals whose acts obstruct any and all peaceful efforts aimed at guaranteeing the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.

“F. Warn member states that have, either directly or indirectly, hampered efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the problem in Niger of the implications that will result from their actions in front of the community.”

“G. Request that the African Union give its approval to all of the decisions that the ECOWAS authority has made on the situation in Niger.

“H. Further call on all partner nations and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its attempt to secure a speedy restoration of constitutional order, in accordance with its normative instruments.

“I. Give the President of the Commission the directive to keep an eye on how the sanctions are being carried out.

“J. Issue an order to the Committee of the Chief of Defense Staff to promptly put the ECOWAS Standby Force and all of its elements into operation.

“K. Issue orders for the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Niger in order to restore constitutional order there.

“L. Reiterate its unwavering dedication to the pursuit of constitutional order by democratic and peaceful means.”