Rising from its summit in Abuja, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, have resolved to urgently review efforts to activate a standby force for counter-terrorism operations in areas infested by terrorist groups in the region.
This is contained in a communique read by Dr Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission at the end of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, on Sunday in Abuja.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to the eradication of terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.
They also resolved to hold an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government aimed at promoting peace, security, and democracy in the region.
The ECOWAS leaders directed the commission to embark on deep reflection and explore the possibility of convening the extraordinary summit.
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The ECOWAS, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, also established a committee of Heads of State to engage with CMSP, the military junta in Niger Republic, on the need for a short transition roadmap and the emplacement of monitoring mechanisms.
Members of the Committee are the Heads of States of Togo, Sierra Leone and Benin.
They are to engage with the coup leaders and other stakeholders to agree on a short transition roadmap, establishment of transition organs, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms towards the speedy restoration of constitutional order.
“Based on the outcomes of the engagement by the committee of Heads of state with the CMSP, the Authority will progressively ease the sanctions imposed on Niger.
“In the event of failure by the CMSP to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee, ECOWAS shall maintain all sanctions, including the use of force.
“And shall request the African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CMSP and their associates.”
The bloc emphasized the need for the immediate and unconditional release of detained Niger President, Mohammed Bazoum.
“The Authority deeply deplores the continued detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and associates by the CMSP regime.
“The Authority further deplores the lack of commitment on the part of the CMSP to restore constitutional order.
“Consequently, the Authority calls on the CMSP to release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates immediately and without precondition.”
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