Niger: Military Invasion Is Still An Option – ECOWAS Gives Fresh Update

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared that the use of force is still one of the available options that may be adopted in restoring democracy in Niger Republic.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said this on Friday during a press briefing on the Niger political situation and the refusal of the military junta to hand over power to ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

Speaking at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Touray explained that they are looking at all available options including military invasion in ensuring the return of constitutional order in Niger Republic.

He however clarified that ECOWAS never stated that it would deploy the military at the end of the initial seven-day deadline issued to the junta in Niger.

“The use of force is still very much on the table as provided for by the ECOWAS instruments. The Heads of State have indicated that they will use all measures available to restore order.

“The Heads of State have demanded the return of constitutional order in Niger immediately,” he said.

The ECOWAS chief hinted further that the three-year transition plan proposed by the coup leaders is not acceptable as what they want is the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

He explained that ECOWAS has not sanctioned the invasion of Niger Republic but is currently exploring diplomatic means of  resolving the political situation in the West African nation.

In his speech, Touray said, “Unfortunately, this decision has been taken out of context and repeatedly represented in the media as a declaration of war against the republic of Niger or a planned invasion of the country. It is even tragic that some influential persons in the community have promoted this narrative which has been hyped in the social media as the gospel truth. These persons have conveniently ignored the strenuous efforts of the community to engage the military authority in Niger to reverse the attempted coup.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger nor is there a plan as it is being purported to invade the country. The ECOWAS authority of Heads of states and governments has only activated a full-scale application of sanctions which include the use of legitimate force to restore constitutional order.

“In the interim, the region is employing other elements of its instruments and engaging with the military authorities as can be attested to by the several missions that have been fielded to the country and our joint efforts with our partners, including the African Union and the United Nations. We are hopeful that these diplomatic efforts will yield the desired outcome and make it unnecessary for the deployment of the force.”

However, the president of the commission said that the ECOWAS will not hesitate if it eventually becomes necessary to use force in resoring democratic order in Niger.

He said, “Nonetheless, preparations continue towards making the force ready for deployment. Consequently, the technical arms of the decision-making organs which include the committee of Chiefs of Defence staff have also been directed to prepare the community enforcement mechanism in case it becomes compelling to deploy the force.”

Touray then called on the military junta to listen to the voice of reason and also ensure the safety and security of President Bazoum and his family members who are still in their custody.

“Friends of the press, we believe that even now it is not too late for the military authorities in Niger to reconsider their actions and listen to the voice of reason. As the regional leaders, we will not condone coup d’état. ECOWAS also wishes to remind them of their responsibility for the security and safety of President Bazoum, members of his family, and government,” he said.