(VOVWORLD) - West Africa’s regional bloc on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table.
 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Head of States and Government extraordinary summit in Nigeria, on August 10, 2023. (AFP) |
The junta, which seized power on July 26, had defied an August 6 deadline to stand down set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), instead closing Niger’s airspace and vowing to defend the country against any foreign attack.
After a summit of its heads of state in Nigeria, the bloc pledged to enforce sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes on those preventing the return to power of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
“No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort,” said Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Security analysts said a regional force could take weeks or longer to assemble, potentially leaving room for negotiations.