BREAKING: We Have Not Declared War On Nigeriens – ECOWAS President Touray Speaks

BREAKING: We Have Not Declared War On Nigeriens – ECOWAS President Touray Speaks

Omar Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), clarified on Friday that the regional organization has not declared war on the people of Niger Republic and has no intentions of invading the country.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Touray emphasized that military force is not being employed in the coup-affected West African nation.

He highlighted that ECOWAS has activated various scales of sanctions, including legitimate force, but is hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead to positive outcomes with the junta.

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Preparations are also underway to deploy a force, should the need arise.

Touray stressed that the military junta has the opportunity to reconsider, as ECOWAS does not support coup d’états. He reiterated that the three-year transition period imposed by the junta is unacceptable and called on them to restore civilian rule promptly.

Addressing misinterpretations in the media, Touray stated that influential individuals have misrepresented ECOWAS’ stance as a planned invasion of Niger, which is not the case. He explained that ECOWAS is committed to restoring civilian rule and ensuring people’s freedom of movement within the region. The President assured that all necessary measures, not solely military force, would be taken.

Touray emphasized that ECOWAS remains on the side of the people and pledged to continue working in their best interests. He clarified that the use of force, although an option, was not immediately deployed at the end of the previously announced ultimatum. Instead, ECOWAS is focused on implementing measures for the restoration of civilian rule in line with the 1999 instrument.