The Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS says it is not in a hurry to take military action as measures aimed at restoring civil rule in Niger Republic are still being considered.
President of the ECOWAS commission,Dr Omar Touray made this known Friday while addressing a Press Conference in Abuja
Contrary to media reports that ECOWAS planned to order the military into Niger after the expiration of the 7- day ultimatum,He clarified that there is no where in the ECOWAS Communique that mentioned a timeframe for military action, rather what was stated was that the bloc would explore all measures to facilitate a breakthrough as it is currently doing .
Touray added that it is only when there is a failure in talks that ECOWAS would resort to military action.
In a bid to achieve the return of democratic institutions in Niger through peaceful means, Chairperson of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu had sent emissaries to Niger 4 times
The first group led by General Abdulsalam Abubakar in company of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lll were in Niger twice for mediation . At first, the Junta refused to meet with them but hosted them the second time. The other group, made up of Islamic Clerics were also asked to make a second journey to Niger to further strengthen talks with the Junta who recently in the middle of ECOWAS sanctions and diplomatic arrangements publicly released a three year transition period in the country.
