The West African bloc ECOWAS has ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table. Reuters reports that after a summit of its heads of state in the Nigerian capital Abuja, the bloc pledged to enforce sanctions, travel bans, and asset freezes on those preventing the return to power of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
Former colonial power, France has meanwhile said it fully supports ECOWAS in its attempts to restore democracy in Niger.
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