Title: “ECOWAS activates its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger”
Introduction: The political crisis in Niger takes a new turn as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decides to activate its “standby force” to restore constitutional order. Gathered in Abuja, the Heads of State of ECOWAS took this firm decision, increasing the pressure on the Nigerien putschists. However, ECOWAS also maintains the option of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Here is an overview of the latest developments in this tense situation.
Bodysuit:
– The activation of the “standby force”: ECOWAS has decided to order the committee of army chiefs to activate and deploy the “standby force” to restore constitutional order in Niger. This decision marks a turning point in the crisis and underlines the determination of the countries of the region to face the coup and restore political stability.
– Details of the deployment: Although details are still needed, ECOWAS has sought the approval of the African Union (AU) and called for the support of its partners, including the UN, for this deployment. The composition and modalities of the standby force will also have to be defined. Note that the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has declared that Côte d’Ivoire will provide a battalion of approximately 850 to 1,100 men for this operation.
– The Heads of State are stepping up: The Heads of State of ECOWAS have shown themselves to be firm in the face of the Nigerien putschists. President Ouattara said their place was in their barracks and not in power. Senegalese President Macky Sall stressed that the intervention was not a decision of Nigeria alone, but of the whole of ECOWAS. Added to this is the denunciation of the coup by the Mauritanian president, a country that is not a member of ECOWAS. The Heads of State have clearly expressed their support for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
– Reinforcement of sanctions: ECOWAS has warned against Member States who would jeopardize a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger. It is possible that this warning will be addressed to Mali and Burkina Faso, suspended from ECOWAS and opposed to military intervention. In addition, the sanctions against the putschists will be maintained or even reinforced, with in particular the closing of borders, the travel ban and the freezing of the assets of people or groups opposing a peaceful resolution.
– A peaceful resolution still envisaged: Despite the activation of the standby force, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to restore constitutional order peacefully, if possible. Attempts at negotiations having failed, the patience of ECOWAS member states seems to have run out. The release of President Bazoum, held by the military, was requested to guarantee his physical integrity.
Conclusion: The decision of ECOWAS to activate its standby force marks an escalation in the resolution of the political crisis in Niger. The heads of state in the region are showing firmness in the face of the putschists and are seeking to restore constitutional order in the country. However, peaceful resolution remains an option considered by ECOWAS. The situation in Niger remains tense and further developments will be crucial for the political future of the country