The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken decisive action in response to the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger.
In an Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, ECOWAS leaders called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of Niger.
This was contained a press statement signed Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President (Special Duties, Communications and Strategy) and made available via its Twitter handle on Sunday.
The statement added that ECOWAS rejected any claims of resignation by President Bazoum and affirmed him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community. The leaders condemned the illegal detention of President Bazoum and his family and government members, considering it a hostage situation.
In a firm stance, ECOWAS demanded the full restoration of constitutional order in Niger and set a deadline of one week for these demands to be met. Failure to comply will result in the implementation of measures to restore constitutional order, which may include the use of force.
The Summit, hosted by President Bola Tinubu in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, also announced immediate sanctions on Niger. These sanctions include the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, a no-fly zone on commercial flights to and from Niger, and the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger.
Furthermore, assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Bank, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks will be frozen, and Niger will be suspended from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS.
To ensure accountability, travel bans and asset freezes were imposed on military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as their family members and civilians who accept to participate in any institution or government established by these military officials.
ECOWAS expressed appreciation to various governments and partners for their support and solidarity during this challenging time for Niger.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the essence of African unity and solidarity and emphasised the shared responsibility of African leaders to foster stability and progress in the region. He firmly rejected any coup attempts or interruptions to constitutional order, highlighting Africa’s commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity.
