The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is working toward an amicable solution to restoring constitutional order in the Niger Republic.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, gave this assurance during a press conference, on Friday, in Abuja.
Touray said the regional bloc would maintain its interest in the economic prosperity and social welfare of the citizens of Niger.
Touray said the aspirations of the Nigerien people “can only be met through democratic means and participatory governance”.
The 15-member intergovernmental organisation has been engaging Niger’s junta in dialogue following a coup that removed and detained President Mohamed Bazoum in late July.
ECOWAS is engaging in the dialogue through its special envoys on Niger’s political impasse.
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It called for unconditional release of Bazoum and his family members. ECOWAS added that its standby force was ready to go to Niger for a possible military intervention.
In response to “any form of aggression against Niger,” Burkina Faso and Mali have deployed fighter jets and helicopters in Niamey, to show solidarity with the junta.
On Tuesday, ECOWAS’ special envoy, Nigeria’s Abdulsalami Abubakar told reporters that a diplomatic solution to the crisis was within reach.
Abubakar added that discussions with the junta have shown positive signs.
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