Abuja, Thursday – In a significant move to address the escalating socio-political turmoil, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened at the 2nd Extraordinary Summit focused on the Republic of Niger. During the gathering held in Abuja, they passed a resolution calling for the immediate deployment of a regional standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.

President Bola Tinubu, serving as the ECOWAS Chairman, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic poses a serious threat not only to its own stability but also to neighboring Nigeria and other West African nations.

This decision signals a collective commitment by ECOWAS leaders to intervene decisively in the Niger crisis, underlining the regional bloc’s determination to maintain stability, uphold democratic principles, and ensure the well-being of the people of Niger.

Among the attendees at the summit were Presidents from Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Additionally, Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their Foreign Ministers, highlighting the collaborative approach adopted by ECOWAS to address the complex challenges facing the region.

The resolution to deploy a regional standby force marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to restore constitutional order and stability in Niger. The leaders’ united front demonstrates their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and safeguarding the broader interests of West Africa.