The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have left all options open, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order in Niger after the July 26 coup. They have also ordered the activation of military forces that have been on alert.

After the ECOWAS summit concluded in Abuja, Nigeria, leaders vowed to implement sanctions and travel bans on those who stand in the way of the reinstatement of President-elect Mohammed Bazoum. No option is ruled out, including the use of force as a last resort, said Nigeria’s President and ECOWAS chairman, Bola Tinubu.

Their commitment to support Niger in its path to peaceful, democratic stability remains unwavering, while they hope that through their collective effort, they can implement a peaceful solution as a road map to restore stability and democracy in Niger, he added.

After Tinubu’s speech, the official communiqué was read which includes a decision asking the heads of the Armed Forces to immediately activate the ECOWAS Standby Force.

The military junta in Niamey ignored an ultimatum given by ECOWAS to restore Bazum by midnight on August 6 and instead closed Niger’s airspace warning that it would defend the country against foreign attacks.

Last week the Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the ECOWAS countries worked out plans for a possible military intervention in Niger, which were discussed at yesterday’s meeting. The communiqué gives no indication of when or under what conditions such an operation may take place.

A US official has revealed to international media that the Junta in Niger intends to execute the deposed President of Niger if ECOWAS intervenes militarily.

Source: Euronews

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