President Bola Tinubu says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is committed to ensuring democratic stability returns to the Niger Republic.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday while delivering his closing remarks at the second ECOWAS extraordinary summit held in Abuja.
The summit was held to deliberate on a way forward to resolve the political impasse in Niger after the military junta in the country defied the ECOWAS deadline to reinstate democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
After the deliberations, the bloc resolved to deploy standby military troops to restore constitutional order in Niger.
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The use of force, according to ECOWAS, was the organisation’s last option to force the junta to relinquish power to Bazoum.
Tinubu said the outcome of the second meeting was proof of the bloc’s collective efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution as a roadmap to restoring stability and democracy in Niger.
“We have exhibited great membership, dedication and patriotism and have recognised the danger facing our dear neighbour, Niger,” the ECOWAS chairperson said.
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“All is not lost yet. The outcome of this summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and the progress of the entire ECOWAS community.
“We will continue with that. And you know I’ll see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
“If we don’t do it, no one else we do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey towards peaceful democratic stability in the country.”
Tinubu noted that the move will “undoubtedly have challenges” but expressed hope that the unity of the bloc will help to “navigate these obstacles and chart a path towards lasting peace and prosperity for Nigerians and ECOWAS”.
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