Despite public outcry the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Thursday resolved to deployment ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
Deployment of a standby force was part of the resolutions reached at the just concluded Extraordinary Summit of the regional bloc held in Abuja on Thursday.
ECOWAS also called on every partner and institution including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order in conformity with its normative instruments.
While noting that the regional body will continue to keep all the options open on the table, they however, said that there would be consequences for any individual, body or member country that would be found to hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic.
“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 committee and its Chief 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 to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”