In a crucial move to restore stability in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government has given General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the alleged mastermind of a recent coup attempt, a seven-day ultimatum to relinquish power and reinstate President Mohammed Bazoom.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, where leaders from various member states convened to address the political crisis in Niger.
One of the key resolutions passed at the meeting was the stern warning that if the coup plotters fail to restore political stability within the specified timeframe, ECOWAS may resort to using force.
Omar Alieu-Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who read out the resolutions, disclosed that the organization has directed the chiefs of defense staff of member states to convene immediately to address the situation.
Furthermore, as part of immediate sanctions, ECOWAS leaders have ordered the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger.
Additionally, a no-fly zone has been imposed on all commercial flights to and from Niger to restrict movement in the region.
In an effort to exert economic pressure, ECOWAS has suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger. This includes freezing all service transactions, including energy-related ones, and freezing the assets of the Republic of Niger held in ECOWAS Central Banks.
The emergency meeting was attended by prominent heads of state and government representatives, including President Patrice Talon of Benin, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of Ghana, among others. General Omar Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, President Macky Sall of Senegal, and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo were also present, along with representatives from Cape Verde, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Nigerien President Bazoom’s representative.
The ultimatum and sanctions come as a collective effort by ECOWAS to restore democratic governance and uphold stability in Niger Republic, while sending a strong message against any attempts to subvert democratic processes in the region.
