ECOWAS deploys standby force amid Niger junta threat to ‘kill president’

The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the activation of a “standby force” to respond to the crisis in Niger after coup leaders there refused to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.

Regional leaders met on Thursday in Abuja for the second time since the June 26 coup.

ECOWAS condemned the detention of Mr Bazoum and his family, and the conditions in which they are detained. The junta has reportedly cut food, water and electricity supplies to the country’s leader.

ECOWAS’ announcement came as reports emerged that the coup leaders threatened to kill President Bazoum if there was military intervention.

Representatives of the junta told U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland of the threat to Mr Bazoum during her visit to the country this week, the Associated Press news agency reported Thursday, quoting western officials.

– Talk to coup leaders

Nine of the 11 heads of ECOWAS states attended the Abuja summit, including the presidents of Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Togo, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. The leaders of non-ECOWAS members, Mauritania and Burundi, also attended the summit.

“It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger,” President Bola Tinubu said in a speech before deliberations started.

“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”

– Standby

After their meeting, the group directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger after the coup. It did not give details about the make-up, financing, location and date of deployment of the force.

Pressed for details, the president of the ECOWAS commission, Omar Alieu Touray, said he confirm the decision by “the military authorities in the sub-region to deploy a standby force of the community,” according to the Associated Press.

He said financing had been discussed and “appropriate measures have been taken” and said any actions by the bloc would be taken jointly, not by any single country.

“It is not one country against another country. The community has instruments to which all members have subscribed to,” he said.