Niger: ECOWAS deploys standby force; junta warns they’d kill deposed president

A Abuja — Despite opposition from eminent Nigerians and groups to the use of force against the coupists in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Heads of State and Government yesterday ordered immediate deployment of a standby force to restore constitutional order in the country.
ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) is a standby arrangement made up of military, police and civilian components which is consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter which provides for regional peace and security arrangements.
The regional body also called on partners, including the United Nations, UN, to support its efforts to ensure a quick restoration of order in conformity with its normative instruments.

But the junta told a top United States diplomat yesterday that they would kill deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, if ECOWAS countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.

ECOWAS decision came hours after the military junta formed a new government and appointed 21 cabinet ministers to serve with the new Prime Minister, Mahamane Roufai Laouali, and hours after Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, warned against military intervention in Niger.

Before the 2nd extraordinary summit went into a closed-door session in Abuja, chairman of ECOWAS and Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, had said the body will adopt diplomatic approach and negotiations in dealing with the military junta.

But rising from the meeting, the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in a communique resolved to deploy troops to restore constitutional government in Niger Republic.

While noting that the regional body will continue to keep all options on the table, they, however, said there will be consequences for any individual, body or member country found to hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic.

The resolution, which was read by the President of the Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, read:
lFurther 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.
lDirect the committee and its Chief of Defence Staff to activate 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.”

The communique read further: “The Authority, having considered the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last extraordinary summit; and having considered the reports of the envoys of the chair to Niger and various other places, carefully considered the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defence staft, extensively discussed the latest development in Niger since the last extra ordinary summit held on July 30, 2023.

lNoted that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS in resolving the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger;

lTaking 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 National Committee for the Salvation of the People, 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 July 30, 2023. Underscore the determination of 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 Chiefs 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. Underscore its continued commitment for the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”

Speaking earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, said that the seven day ultimatum issued to the military junta in the Republic of Niger to reinstate the sacked President, Mohammad Bazoum, has not yielded the desired results.

He said all the relevant parties, including the coup leaders would be involved in dialogue in a bid to have an amicable resolution in the Niger crisis.

As reported on Vanguard Tinubu said: “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.

“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.

“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.’’

The ECOWAS chairman recalled that the military junta was told in the previous meeting to reinstate the democratically elected President but noted that the directive was yet to be complied with.
“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.

“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation.”

In his closing remarks at the summit, Tinubu commended members for exhibiting great membership, dedication and patriotism in recognition of the danger facing Nigeria’s neighbour, Niger.

He said: “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.