ECOWAS Orders Activation Of Military Force Against Niger
President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, gave the order while
reading the resolution taken at the Extraordinary meeting on the Niger
coup in Abuja on Thursday.
The ECOWAS leaders condemned the continuous detention of
President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
“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;
“It 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; took note of the
expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of
constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:
“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.
“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extra
ordinary Summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023.
“Underscore the determination of the ECOWAS authority to
keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“Enforce 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.
“Warn 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.
“Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions
taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.
“Further call 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.
“Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the
implementation of the sanctions.
“Direct the Committee of the chief of defense staff to
activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately. Order the
deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the
Republic of Niger. Underscore its continued commitment for the restoration of
constitutional order through peaceful means.”
