Troops of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged readiness to participate in a standby force that could restore civil rule in Niger Republic should diplomatic efforts to reverse a coup there fail.

All member states, except those under military rule and Cape Verde, pledged to participate in the standby force at a meeting in Accra, Ghana capital.

Addressing the assembled Defence Chiefs from ECOWAS member countries, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah noted that should everything else fails, the valiant forces of West Africa are ready to answer to the call of duty.