In an unprecedented move, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerien military on Sunday.
They demanded the restoration of constitutional order and the reinstatement of ousted President Muhammed Bazoum into office within seven days.
This decision came after an extraordinary meeting of ECOWAS member-states’ leaders at the State House in Abuja, where they addressed the situation in Niger Republic.
The bloc firmly recognized Bazoum as the legitimate President of the landlocked state.
To put pressure on Niger, the ECOWAS also implemented stringent measures, including land and border closures and the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and ECOWAS member states.
Furthermore, they announced economic sanctions, freezing assets and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger, aiming to exert financial pressure.
In response to the coup carried out by members of Niger’s Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani was named the nation’s new leader.
Tchiani justified the military’s action as a response to the deteriorating security situation linked to jihadist violence.
Amidst these developments, the ECOWAS Commission’s President, Omar Touray, stressed the seriousness of the situation and announced that all Chiefs of Defense Staff of ECOWAS member states would convene for an emergency meeting to strategize on a possible military operation to restore Bazoum to office.
However, the Nigerien military warned against foreign military intervention, indicating potential dire consequences and possible confrontations that could lead to chaos and harm to the Nigerien population.
The situation remains tense as the ultimatum’s deadline approaches.
