Leaders of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States agreed Thursday to deploy its standby military force to restore constitutional order in Niger. Photo courtesy of ECOWAS
Aug. 11 (UPI) — After Niger’s junta failed to heed its demand to restore the country’s democratic government, the leaders of West Africa’s intergovernmental union have ordered the deployment of their standby military force to restore constitutional order.
Though it is unclear what exactly this development means, it follows an ultimatum the Economic Community of West African States had made to Niger’s government-usurping National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to either return the country to civilian rule or potentially face their combined use of force.
Niger’s democratically led country fell in a coup July 26 when President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by his presidential guard, raising concern and worry among his democratic allies, which have criticized the junta and demanded it return Niger to democratic rule.
Days after the coup, the 15-nation ECOWAS, of which Niger is a member, met and issued a slew of sanctions against Niamey, including the closure of all land and air borders with Niger, while warning that if Bazoum is not returned to the country’s helm in seven days, “all measures necessary to restore constitutional order” would be taken, including the use of force.
As the deadline passed Sunday, Niger’s junta closed its airspace, citing the threat of foreign intervention.
On Thursday, the ECOWAS members met in Abuja, Nigeria, and directed the committee’s chiefs of defense staff to “immediately activate the EXOWAS Standby Force with all its elements” and ordered its deployment “to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger,” according to the communique of the meeting, which also said “all options” remain on the table for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Both France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, and the United States supported ECOWAS’ reiteration for the restoration of constitutional order, with Paris’ foreign ministry repeating its condemnation of the coup and demand for the release of Bazoum and his family in a statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States “appreciates” ECOWAS’ determination “to explore all options for the peaceful resolution.”
He also said the Biden administration will hold the coup council responsible for for the safety and security of Bazoum, his family and detained members of his government.
“Democracy is the best foundation for development, social cohesion and stability in Niger,” Blinken said in a statement.
“We stand with the Nigerien people in working toward these goals.”
