ECOWAS Activates Military Standby Force – Legit.ng”/>
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has underscored its commitment to finding a resolution for the political turmoil in the Republic of Niger, emphasizing that no possibility is being ruled out.
The Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, emphasized the region’ s determination during the conclusion of an extraordinary gathering of ECOWAS leaders convened in Abuja on Thursday. In his closing statements, Tinubu asserted that ” no approach is being dismissed, including the potential use of force as a last resort”, Vanguard reports.
A key directive issued by the regional bloc pertains to the immediate implementation and strict monitoring of sanctions against the military junta in the Republic of Niger.
Furthermore, ECOWAS has made a decisive move by instructing the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force, with the explicit objective of restoring constitutional order within the nation.
The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, articulated this resolution following the extraordinary meeting in Abuja. Touray also appealed to the African Union (AU), partner nations, and affiliated organizations to stand in solidarity and support of the measures endorsed by the sub- regional body.
Expressing deep concern, ECOWAS expressed its disappointment at the unsuccessful attempts to engage in peaceful dialogues with the military junta in Niger, a route that the organization had earnestly pursued. Consequently, ECOWAS has charged the ” committee of the Chief of Defence Staff” to promptly activate the ECOWAS standby force, ensuring its full deployment.
Despite the gravity of the situation, ECOWAS is unwavering in its commitment to diplomacy as a preferred means of resolving the political crisis that has gripped the nation. President Tinubu remarked, ” Our focus remains on diplomatic negotiations and dialogues as the fundamental pillars of our strategy. “
According to Vanguard , he also acknowledged the unfortunate outcome of the initial seven- day ultimatum and stressed the need for earnest discussions with all relevant parties, including the leaders of the coup, to persuade them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.
Tinubu added, ” We consider it our duty to exhaust every conceivable avenue of engagement to ensure the expeditious return to a state of constitutional governance in Niger. ” The urgent and resolute stance adopted by ECOWAS highlights the collective determination of the regional bloc to bring stability and lawful governance back to the Republic of Niger.
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