Leaders of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have unanimously decided to deploy their standby military force in order to restore constitutional order in Niger. This move comes after Niger’s junta disregarded their previous demand to reinstate the country’s democratic government. The ECOWAS made it clear to the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland that failure to comply could result in the use of force.
Niger’s democratically elected government was overthrown in a coup on July 26 when President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by his own presidential guard. This has caused concern among Niger’s democratic allies, who have condemned the junta and demanded a return to democratic rule.
Following the coup, the ECOWAS held a meeting and imposed several sanctions on Niamey, including the closure of all land and air borders with Niger. They issued an ultimatum, stating that if President Bazoum was not reinstated within seven days, they would take “all measures necessary to restore constitutional order,” including the use of force.
As the deadline passed, Niger’s junta closed its airspace, citing the threat of foreign intervention. In response, the ECOWAS members gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, and instructed their chiefs of defense staff to activate the ECOWAS Standby Force and deploy it to restore constitutional order in Niger. They emphasized that all options remain on the table for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The international community has also voiced support for the ECOWAS’ stance. France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, and the United States have reiterated the importance of restoring constitutional order. France’s foreign ministry condemned the coup and called for the release of President Bazoum and his family. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed appreciation for the ECOWAS’ commitment to finding a peaceful resolution and stated that the Biden administration holds the coup council responsible for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of his government.
In a statement, Secretary Blinken emphasized the significance of democracy in promoting development, social cohesion, and stability in Niger. The United States stands in solidarity with the Nigerien people in working towards these goals.
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