The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a decisive stance against the recent military coup in Niger, imposing a one-week ultimatum for the coup plotters to relinquish power and restore democratic governance in the country.
The announcement came after an extraordinary session of ECOWAS member states on Sunday, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the chairman of the organization.
It was reported how Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane declared the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office, dissolved the country’s constitution, suspended all institutions, and closed the borders. The actions of the coup plotters were met with immediate condemnation from the international community and ECOWAS.
At the ECOWAS session in Abuja, a comprehensive resolution was reached to impose a series of sanctions on Niger. ECOWAS strongly affirmed its recognition of President Bazoum as the legitimate leader of Niger, rejecting the actions of the coup plotters as illegitimate.
Moreover, the ECOWAS authority condemned the detention of President Bazoum and demanded his immediate release and reinstatement. It was emphasized that only the official acts of President Bazoum or those of his duly mandated officials would be acknowledged by the regional bloc.
ECOWAS has given the coup plotters a one-week deadline to step down and restore constitutional order in Niger. In the event that this demand is not met within the stipulated timeframe, ECOWAS has resolved to take all necessary measures, including the use of force, to restore democratic governance in the Republic of Niger.
As part of the sanctions, ECOWAS has closed all land and air borders between its member countries and Niger. An “ECOWAS no-fly zone” has been instituted for all commercial flights to and from Niger.
Additionally, all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger have been suspended. This includes freezing service transactions and energy deals with all financial institutions.
To exert further pressure on the coup plotters, a travel ban will be imposed on military officials involved in the coup, and their assets will be frozen. The same sanctions will apply to the family members of the military officials and any civilians who choose to participate in any institution or government established by the coup plotters.
The decision by ECOWAS to take strong and unified action against the military coup in Niger reflects the regional bloc’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and supporting legitimate governments in its member states. The ultimatum and sanctions send a clear message that any attempts to undermine democracy in the region will not be tolerated.
ECOWAS urged the international community to support its efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger and ensure the stability and well-being of the country’s citizens.
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