The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
, has ordered the deployment of its standby military force to restore democratic order in the Niger Republic.
This was made known in a communique issued after the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting held in Abuja on Thursday to discuss issues about the military take over of government in Niger.
The communique which contained the resolutions of the regional body on the Niger coup was read by, President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray.
It said the resolutions were reached after considering reports of envoys and also carefully deliberating the proposal of ECOWAS defense chiefs as well as other submissions by the ECOWAS Commission.
The regional body said it would explore all options on the table to restore constitutional order in the West African nation.
It said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic coup leaders were turned down.
The resolution comes hours after the leaders of July 26 military coup that outsted President Mohammed Bazoum, formed an interim government with Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as Prime Minister to lead 21-member cabinet.
ECOWAS also called on the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
Part of the communique read: “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.”
Prime Business Africa
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