The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered Thursday, August 10, at the end of its summit in Abuja, Nigeria, the “immediate activation” of its intervention force with a view to ” restore constitutional order” after the July 26 coup in Niger. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stressed on Thursday that no option had been ruled out to ensure a rapid return to constitutional order in Niger, including the use of force as a last resort.
The organization, however, indicated that it favored a peaceful resolution of the crisis and that no option that would achieve this result had been ruled out.
Since placing President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest on July 26, the junta has rejected several attempts at mediation and ignored an ultimatum from ECOWAS, which threatened to intervene militarily to restore democracy, even if this operation is presented as a last resort, as President Tinubu confirmed on Thursday.
“In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial to prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue which are the pillars of our approach,” he said. he assures.
Concern over the fate of the president of Niger
In Niamey, Mahamane Roufai Laouali, presented as the secretary general of the government, announced the appointment of a cabinet composed of 21 ministers. Soldiers have been appointed to the positions of ministers of defense and interior. Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, appointed prime minister on Monday, holds the finance portfolio.
At the same time, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his concern about the conditions of detention of Mohamed Bazoum and his family, held in the presidential residence without running water or electricity and deprived of fresh food for several days.
“The Secretary-General (…) once again calls for the immediate and unconditional release (of Mohamed Bazoum) and his reinstatement as Head of State,” a UN spokesperson said. .
