Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have decided to deploy their troops to "restore constitutional order" in Niger, at the same time confirming their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the situation.


The decision was made during the ECOWAS summit held on Thursday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.


"It was decided... to issue an order for the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger," the communiqué stated.


The next paragraph of the document notes that "the obligation to restore constitutional order through peaceful means remains unchanged".


The communiqué also calls on partner countries and international organizations, including the UN and the African Union, to support ECOWAS efforts to "quickly restore constitutional order" in Niger.


As previously reported, a group of military officers in Niger announced the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum from office, blocking the activities of the executive branch. Several European countries, including Ukraine, have condemned the coup d'état in the Republic of Niger.


At the same time, the group that took power in Niger threatens to kill the president if neighboring countries try to intervene.