By David kabiyesi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has told Niger Republic military junta that the regional body will stop at nothing in restoring constitutional order in the country by all means even if it is means by force.
This warning came after defense chiefs of member states rose from its meeting in Accra, Ghana to strategize on the next line of action on Niger and discuss details of the standby force.
“Let no one be in doubt that if everything else fails, the valiant forces of West Africa…are ready to answer to the call of duty.
“By all means available, constitutional order will be restored in the country,” ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said.
He listed past ECOWAS deployments in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and elsewhere as examples of readiness for military action.
Musah stated that ECOWAS is not in any way being manipulated by France or any other outside power as widely speculated.
“What they forget is that ECOWAS is a rules-based organization. We have our protocols, we have our norms and we are ready to protect them.
“That’s why the Heads of State are saying if push comes to shove, we are going into Niger with our contingents, own equipment, and our resources to make sure we restore constitutional order. If other democracy-loving partners want to support us, they are welcome,” he said
The meeting continues today.
