CNN  — 

West African leaders on Thursday ordered the activation of the regional group’s standby force, following a coup last month in Niger.

The force should be deployed “to restore constitutional order in the republic of Niger,” according to a statement read by Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

However, it was not immediately clear what such a deployment would entail. CNN is seeking clarification from ECOWAS.

Niger has been engulfed in political chaos since late last month, when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup d’etat by the presidential guard. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded days later by enacting sanctions and issuing an ultimatum to the ruling military junta: stand down within a week or face a potential military intervention.

That deadline came and went on Sunday, August 6, without any change in the political situation. ECOWAS leaders have said their preference is to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis and would send in troops as a last resort.

This is a developing story. More follows…