West African heads of government, in a bid to restore constitutional order in Niger, have formed a new committee to engage with the military junta, making it the third committee established by ECOWAS for this purpose.
The committee, comprised of the presidents of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin, aims to negotiate a short democratic transition, securing the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and associates.
The ECOWAS leaders emphasized their commitment to eradicating terrorism and threats to peace in the region, prompting a review of efforts to activate a standby force for counterterrorism operations.
An extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government is also on the agenda.
Sanctions imposed on Niger, including trade restrictions and freezing of accounts, may be gradually eased based on the outcomes of the committee’s engagement with the junta.
However, the use of force remains an option if the junta fails to comply with the committee’s outcomes, with the ECOWAS leaders urging the African Union and other partners to enforce targeted sanctions on the military rulers.
The Authority expressed concern over the continued detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and called for his immediate release. President Bola Tinubu chaired the meeting, commending efforts to consolidate democracy and peace in the region.
The leaders extended the mandate of the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia, instructed the review of the ECOWAS stabilization support mission in Guinea Bissau, and condemned violence disrupting constitutional order in the country.
The resolutions showcase a shift toward dialogue and away from the use of force to address political challenges in the region. The ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, security, and democracy.
