The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has emphasised the importance of prioritising the safety and security of citizens in Niger in any actions planned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This stance comes following ECOWAS decisions made during its meeting in Abuja, where it endorsed the deployment of a standby force to Niger as part of its measures.
However, Rhissa Ag Boula, a former Tuareg insurgent who has now become the tourism minister in Niger, mentioned that his newly established political party intends to work towards reinstating ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Theodora W. Anti, the Executive Director of FOSDA, commented on these developments, underscoring that maintaining peace and security for the people of Niger should be of the utmost importance.
“For FOSDA, the peace of the Country and the sub-region and the safety of citizens should be the guiding forces for all of ECOWAS’s intervention,” Madam Anti stated in a tweet.
The Extraordinary Summit was convened as a continuation of the recent one held on July 30, 2023, in response to what ECOWAS has termed the unlawful confinement of President Mohamed BAZOUM by the Presidential Guard members in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023.
Following the meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, on August 10, 2023, a communiqué was issued by ECOWAS. In the communiqué, ECOWAS once again strongly condemns the attempted coup d’état and the ongoing unauthorised detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family, and his government members.
Furthermore, the Authority cautioned member states against taking any actions that could impede the ongoing process.
“Warn member states who, by their action, directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger about the consequences of their action before the community.
“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary Summit held in Niger on July 30, 2023.”