The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has affirmed its dedication to sending its standby military unit to Niger for addressing the military junta responsible for the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum in the previous month.
Despite widespread appeals for diplomatic resolution, the coalition is proceeding with the military course of action.
In a statement dated August 16 and posted on ECOWAS’ Twitter handle, the bloc said a two-day meeting of army chiefs from across the region will finalize plans for the deployment of the force.
ECOWAS CHIEFS OF DEFENCE STAFF MEET IN ACCRA ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE ECOWAS STANDBY FORCE TO THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER
As a follow-up to the directive of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its Extraordinary Summit on the political situation in the Republic of Niger held on 10th August 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDC) has commenced the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
To this end, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff will be having an extraordinary meeting in Accra, Ghana from 17th to 18th August 2023 to finalise plans for the deployment of the Standby Force.