Communiqué of the 1180th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, Held on 23 October 2023, on the Situation in the Republic of Niger.

Abstract

The Council encouraged the Transition Authorities to actively collaborate with the ECOWAS and the AU in their efforts to quickly restore constitutional order, while also applauding the ECOWAS's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Niger situation. In this regard, the Council requested the transitional authority to adopt a practical and time-bound timeline for the implementation of the transitional period. The Council expressed deep concern over the lack of a clear, practical, and time-bound timeline for the implementation of the transition period in Niger, particularly with regard to the holding of a national dialogue and elections. The Council also restated its demand that H.E. President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees be released immediately and without conditions. The AU Commission was requested to (i) expeditiously appoint a High-Level Representative for Niger and deploy a high-level mission to Niger who will work closely with ECOWAS and brief the Council regularly; and (ii) undertake a comprehensive and objective study and analysis of the structural root causes and drivers of unconstitutional changes of government on the Continent and to revitalise their early warning mechanisms in order to ensure timely responses and effective deployment of preventive diplomacy efforts. Council further expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Niger and the developments on facilitating a humanitarian corridor in the country and decided to undertake a Field Mission to Niger in order to engage with various stakeholders on the respective situations and plans to return to constitutional order.