THE ECOWAS AND THE LEGALITY OF THE USE OFFORCE: THE NIGER REPUBLIC COUP CASE STUDY

Abstract

This research examined the international human rights implications of the use of force in the Republic of Niger that witnessed the forceful and undemocratic removal of the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and his replacement with the Junta Military Leaders on the 26th of July 2023. It examined the covenants that promote democracy and peaceful coexistence and sought to find the causative factors for coup de tats in the African countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and recently Gabon. It briefly analysed the legality of the use of force by the Economic Community of West African States. The research finally made recommendation to the effect that the unilateral use of force to restore democracy is not firmly established in international law. The paper noted that the restoration of democracy is worth pursuing by using peaceful means, but be that as it may, the case of using force in Niger is not only illegitimate, but also unlawful, unwarrantable and offends the established tenets of international law. The doctrinal research methodology was employed for the purpose of driving this research.