The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerien military, urging them to restore constitutional order and reinstate President Muhammed Bazoum, who was expelled from office.
Subsequent to an exceptional convocation of leaders from member-states of the Economic Community of West African States in the State House in Abuja, Nigeria, a deliberation was held to address the events unfolding in the Republic of Niger.
Acknowledging Bazoum as the duly elected President of the landlocked nation, the bloc additionally implemented measures such as land and border closures, resulting in the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and member states of the Economic Community of West African States.
In the official declaration, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has conveyed that a convening of the Chiefs of Defence Staff from the member states will be undertaken urgently. The purpose of this conference is to deliberate and devise efficient strategies for the potential execution of a military action aimed at reinstating Bazoum to his rightful position.
He said the ECOWAS will “Take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Such measures may include the use of force.
“To this effect, the Chiefs of Defense Staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”
Announcing economic sanctions, Touray said ECOWAS has approved the “Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions.
“Freeze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank. Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID.”
Members of Niger’s Presidential Guard, who carried out the coup, announced General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the country’s new leader on Friday.
Tchiani, who has led the Presidential Guard since 2011, said the coup on Wednesday was the military’s response to “the degradation of the security situation” caused by terrorist carnage.
The military also warned of the “consequences that will flow from any foreign military intervention,” stating that “certain dignitaries…are considering confrontation,” which “will end in nothing but the massacre of the Nigerien population and chaos.”
