…Warns member countries whose actions are hindering resolution of the crisis
…Calls for support of UN, AU to push out military junta
By Egena Sunday Ode
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of its standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
Accordingly, the regional body has directed the Committee of Chief of Defense Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.
These were part of the the decisions reached on Thursday at the second ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit convened in Abuja on the lingering socio-political crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Recall that the democratically elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum was removed in a place coup penultimate week and has since been placed in custody with all his family members.
Beyond sending emissaries to the military Junta to have a rethink and restore the constitutional order, ECOWAS had convened a summit about 11 days ago where it approved a number of sanctions to be enforced by members countries on Niger.
In a communique issued at the end the summit, the West Africam regional body also expressed concern over the continuing detention the oust President and declared that the military junta should he liable for his fate and that of his family.
The communique read by the President of ECOWAS Commision on Niger crisis, Omar Alieu Touray, noted, however that the diplomatic options in respect of the crisis would remain open despite the sanctions being slammed on the junta.
ECOWAS in the communique also warned member countries whose actions or inactions have hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Nigeria’s Northern neighbour, even as it solicited the support of the United Nations and other well meaning bodies to restore peace and tranquility to the beleaguered country.
The communique read: “The Authority having considered the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last extraordinary summit;
“And having considered the reports of the envoys of the chair, to Niger and various other places;
“Carefully considered the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff;
“Extensively discussed the latest development in Niger since the last extra ordinary Summit held on 30th July 2023.
“Noted 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 decides as follows:
“A. Reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’etat and the continued 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 hold the CNSP fully and solely responsible for the safety, security and physical integrity of President Bazoum, members of his family and government.
“C. Upholds all measures and principles agreed upon by the extra ordinary Summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023.
“D. Underscores the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“E. Enforces all measures in particular border closures and strict travel bans and assets freeze on all persons or groups of individuals whose actions hinder all peaceful efforts aimed at ensuring the smooth and complete restoration of constitutional order.
“F. Warns member states who by their action directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences for their action before the community.
“G. Calls on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.
“H. Further calls on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments.
“I. Directs the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.
“J. Directs the Committee of the chief of defense staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.
“K. Orders the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“L. Underscores its continued commitment for the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
