ECOWAS orders an immediate standby force against the junta in Niger.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sent its standby force to Nigeria to restore constitutional order.

The announcement was made by ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray while reading the ECOWAS resolution on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

It also called on the African Union, AU, partner countries and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.

ECOWAS stated that all attempts to engage in discussion with the Niger Republic military junta have been categorically rejected by coup leaders, who also denounce the continued arrest of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

The resolution states in part, "Direct the Chief of Defence Staff's committee to activate the ECOWAS stand-by force with all its elements immediately."

"Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in Niger."

"Reiterates its ongoing commitment to restoring constitutional order through peaceful means."