The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray, says the regional organisation has not declared war on the people of Niger Republic nor is there any plan to invade the country.
Touray, who made the assertion on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja, was unequivocal that use of military force is not being used in the coup-hit West African nation. The ECOWAS president however noted that scales of sanctions had been activated, including legitimate force.
According to him, the organisation is hopeful that all diplomatic efforts will yield positive action on the part of the junta as preparations continue to make the force ready for deployment, in case it becomes compelling to use such force. The ECOWAS president stated that it is not too late for the military junta to reconsider as the community would not condone coup de tat.
He said the three-year transition was unacceptable, urging the military to return to civilian rule as soon as possible.
