ECOWAS Threatens Military Action Against Niger Junta

 

African leaders yesterday resolved to rid the continent of military rule by its ultimatum to coup plotters in the Niger Republic to retrace their steps or face military action.

The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) gave a seven-day ultimatum to them to reinstate deposed President Mohammed Bazoum or face stiff sanctions.

Also, the African Union (AU) gave the Niger Republic military authorities a 15-day ultimatum to vacate power and allow democracy to thrive.

Other measures being considered by AU and ECOWAS include closure of land and air borders by neighbouring countries, suspension of commercial flights, cancellation of commercial and financial transactions and assistance, and freezing of the country’s assets and bank accounts.

The measures also include a travel ban on military officers and their families and a military attack against coup plotters.

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS issued the ultimatum yesterday in its resolutions at the end of its Extraordinary Summit, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

It resolved to direct critical institutions to suspend dealing with the country until constitutional order is restored.

ECOWAS summoned an emergency meeting of Chiefs of Defense Staff of member nations to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation.

However, in a televised address, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted Bazoum, accused the meeting of making a “plan of aggression” against Niger and said it would defend itself.

ECOWAS said: “In the event the authority’s demands are not met within one week, 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.”

While recognising Bazoum as the legitimate President, the regional body also threatened to impose land border closures and no-fly zone conditions on the Niger Republic.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, who read the communiqué, called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger and the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.”

He said: “His Excellency, President Mohamed Bazoum, remains the legitimate, elected President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger recognised by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.”

ECOWAS rejected any form of resignation that may purportedly come from Bazoum.