The Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has agreed to continue the dialogue option while not dismantling the existing sanctions taken at the last summit.
President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, disclosed this at the end of the second extraordinary summit on the political situation in Niger Republic, in Abuja.
He said that the military chiefs of the region have also been given further directives to activate the standby force to serve as a last option in restoring the constitutional government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
“Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.
“Direct the committee of the 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 for the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means,’’ he said.
He said that ECOWAS would need the support of partner countries and institutions including the United Nations on the restoration of peace and stability in the sub-region.
Earlier in his opening speech, President Bola Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority, said that the body was still optimistic of achieving a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
He said that the ECOWAS Heads were desirous of reaching a consensus on the crisis as a way of setting exemplary precedence in the region against undemocratic change of government.
“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.
“Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Niger.
“More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise 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.’’
Tinubu further said that all hope was not lost in gaining peace in Niger, adding that it’s a duty to be done by the regional bloc.
“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 the entire ECOWAS community; we will continue with that.
“And you will see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support Niger in the journey towards peaceful democratic stability in the country,” he said.
Some of the resolutions at the last summit include the closure of all land and air borders between 15-member ECOWAS nations and Niger.
The Niger military and anybody backing the coup will no longer enjoy any financial transaction within the region either as government or individuals.
Similarly, a travel ban was placed on the junta, its officials and families until the restoration of democratic institutions.
