In response to the recent coup d’etat in the Republic of Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chiefs of Defense Staff (CCDS) gathered at Defense Headquarters, Nigeria on Wednesday for an extraordinary meeting to closely-knit regional community with a common purpose.
Delivering his address, the Chief of Defense Staff of Nigeria and the current President of the ECOWAS Committee of CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa emphasized the significance of restoring democratic governance in Niger and preserving humanitarian principles across the region.
Also Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, underscored the critical importance of restoring democracy in the Republic of Niger and the need for collective action to combat terrorism that has plagued the region.
He called for a united front to address the crisis in Niger, where President Mohammed Bazoum and his family have been taken hostage, demanding the restoration of constitutional order.
The Commissioner highlighted a 7-day ultimatum given to Niger’s military leaders by ECOWAS. If diplomacy fails, the military option, including a possible intervention to restore constitutional order, remains on the table. Chiefs of Defense Staff were urged to be prepared for all eventualities.
The meeting was attended by 10 countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, Cote D’voire, Cape Varde, Benin and Senegal.
Those absent from the meeting are Mali, Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso.
