BREAKING: ECOWAS Gives Niger Junta Week To Cede Power, Threatens Force, Sanctions

BREAKING: ECOWAS Gives Niger Junta Week To Cede Power, Threatens Force, Sanctions

On Sunday, West African leaders issued an ultimatum to the military junta in Niger, demanding that they relinquish power within one week. The leaders warned that they were prepared to use force if their demands were not met and immediately imposed financial sanctions.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), consisting of 15 nations, called for the immediate release and reinstatement of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been held by the military since Wednesday.

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During an emergency summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, the bloc stated, “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week, (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.” The chiefs of defence staff of ECOWAS were called to meet immediately in this regard.

ECOWAS also declared the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger, a member of the bloc. Energy transactions with Niger were also halted. The bloc froze Niger’s assets in ECOWAS central and commercial banks and imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same measures applied to their family members and civilians who participated in any institutions or government established by these military officials. The statement was read by Nigerian President and ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu at the conclusion of the crisis meeting.