By David Kabiyesi
Determined to seek a lasting solution to Niger Republic’s political loggerheads, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS has unanimously endorsed the formation of a standby force to restore constitutional order in the Sahel nation.
In a declaration made by the President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray during Thursday’s extraordinary meeting in Abuja, the regional body enjoined African Union, AU, partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
ECOWAS claimed that all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have come against the brick wall after coup leaders closed its airspace and refused to see its envoys who traveled down to Niamey for dialogue.
The body also condemned the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
“Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby 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.” the resolution partly reads
