…says all options for peaceful resolution remain open
…as Nigerian President, Tinubu insists on dialogue
NOSA EGHAGHA
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has ordered the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, if dialogue and economic sanctions fail to yield the desired result.
This was part of the resolutions reached at the just-concluded Extraordinary Summit of the regional blog held in Abuja.
Reading the communique at the end of the Summit, President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the strong condemnation of the coup d’etat and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, by the military junta.
While emphasising the determination of the ECOWAS authority to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis, he also called on all partners 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.
He said that the decision was reached after a careful consideration of the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission, report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff while taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
He, however, lamented that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger.
Furthermore, Touray strongly warned 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.
“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 Bazoum, 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 defense 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.
“Underscore its continued commitment for the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.” The communique reads in part
The extraordinary summit was attended by the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote ‘d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo, while Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their Foreign Ministers.
Non-ECOWAS leaders, such as the Mauritanian and Burundian presidents, also attended.
In his closing remark, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu strongly advocated for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
While noting that all hope is not lost as all options he expressed optimism that the collective efforts of the regional blog will bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.
President Tinubu commended member countries for the commitment shown towards restoration of democratic structure in the beleaguered northern country.
“We have exhibited great membership, dedication and patrotism and have recognised the danger facing our dear neighbour, Niger. I hope that through our collective efforts we can bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.
“All is not lost yet. The outcome of this summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and to the progress of entire ECOWAS community.
“We will continue with that. And you know I’ll see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else we do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey towards peaceful democratic stability in the country.
“The road ahead will undoubtedly have challenges but as family we believe that with our collective result, we can navigate these obstacles and chart a path towards lasting peace and prosperity for Nigerians and ECOWAS.
“I send my sincere gratitude to all of you, for your dedication and valuable contributions during this extraordinary Summit. Your unwavering commitment to ECOWAS and the welfare of our continent is highly commendable.
“I want to thank you for your positive remarks and recognition given to me and the government of the people of Nigeria. May our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter future for the Nigerian people and for all Africans.
“ECOWAS has continued to thrive as a beckon of unity, cooperation and progress in the region. With this I officially bring the second extraordinary summit on his socio-political situation and the Republic of Nigeria to a close.”
