The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate reactivation of its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic, where a coup on 26 July ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
In a communique read at the end of the emergency meeting of leaders of the regional bloc, the President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, said the use of force to flush out the coup plotters was one of the resolutions taken by the leaders.
The resolution partly reads: “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.
ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
Meanwhile, the junta has threatened to kill deposed President Mohamed Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.
The Associated Press said the threat was conveyed to a top U.S. diplomat, Victoria Nuland early this week during her visit to the country.
