Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, have initiated measures to assess the activation of a standby force to combat terrorism in regions affected by terrorist groups.
This decision was made at the conclusion of the 64th ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja on Sunday.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, conveyed in a communiqué that the leaders reaffirmed their dedication to eliminating terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.
Additionally, ECOWAS plans to convene an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government to promote peace, security, and democracy.
The Commission was tasked with conducting in-depth assessments and exploring the feasibility of organizing the extraordinary summit.
Furthermore, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, established a committee of Heads of State to engage with the military junta in Niger Republic regarding the necessity for a concise transition roadmap and the implementation of monitoring mechanisms.
They also resolved to gradually ease sanctions on Niger Republic based on the outcomes of the engagement, emphasizing the immediate and unconditional release of detained President Mohammed Bazoum.
ECOWAS also condemned the ongoing detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates by the military junta.
The Authority expressed its dismay over the junta’s lack of commitment to reinstating constitutional order.
“We urge the CMSP to promptly release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family, and associates without any preconditions,” the communique stated.
“We have decided to form a committee of Heads of State consisting of the President and Head of State of the Republic of Togo, the President and the Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the President and Head of State of the Republic of Benin to engage with the CMSP and other stakeholders to establish a brief transition roadmap, set up transition bodies, and facilitate the establishment of a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism to swiftly reinstate constitutional order,” the communique added.
