ECOWAS Sets Deadline for Coup Plotters in Niger to Reinstate President

In an extraordinary session led by ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took decisive action in response to the political crisis in Niger Republic. They issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military in Niger Republic, demanding the reinstatement of President Muhammed Bazoum, who was detained by his presidential guards. Despite the power shift declared by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, ECOWAS refused to recognize it and affirmed Bazoum as the legitimate President. As part of their efforts to restore constitutional order, ECOWAS imposed land border closures and suspended commercial flights between Niger Republic and ECOWAS member states.

To strategize on restoring President Bazoum to office, Chiefs of Defense Staff of ECOWAS member states will hold an emergency meeting, where military operations may be considered. ECOWAS President, Omar Touray, emphasized the organization's readiness to take necessary actions, including the use of force, to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic. Economic transactions with Niger Republic have been suspended, and financial sanctions have been imposed, freezing assets belonging to the Republic and state enterprises in commercial banks.

Under President Tinubu's leadership, ECOWAS has decided to freeze all service transactions, including energy, and suspend financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions, especially EBID. Regional leaders, including those from Guinea-Bissau, Cote D'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Benin, and Ghana, attended the session to address the crisis and uphold democratic principles in the region.

ECOWAS stands firm in its commitment to restore constitutional order and reinstate President Bazoum, closely monitoring the situation as regional leaders and military officials collaborate to find solutions to the crisis.