By Ayodele Oni
Again leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) have directed immediate activation of the use of force against the Niger Republic military junta.
They have also called on the African Union, (AU), partner countries and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
ECOWAS explained that leaders resolved to use of force as all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders.
They flayed continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
The leaders in a communique after their meeting in Abuja, stated that “after taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:
“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
“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 defence 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.”
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