BREAKING: The Warning Niger’s Military Ruler Issued On Wednesday Night As ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Meet In Nigeria (DETAILS)

BREAKING: The Warning Niger’s Military Ruler Issued On Wednesday Night As ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Meet In Nigeria (DETAILS)

Niger’s new military leader expressed strong criticism towards neighboring countries and the international community in a televised speech on Wednesday night. He also urged the population to be prepared to defend the nation.

In one of the few addresses to the country since seizing power from Niger’s democratically elected president a week ago, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani cautioned against foreign interference and military intervention in response to the coup.

Tchiani, who commands Niger’s presidential guard, made assurances that he would facilitate a peaceful transition to elections following the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.

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The speech was delivered amidst increasing regional tensions, as the West African regional bloc ECOWAS threatened to use military force if Bazoum is not released from house arrest and reinstated by August 6. In response, the bloc imposed severe travel and economic sanctions.

Tchiani criticized the opposition’s “hostile and radical” attitudes towards his rule, stating that they offer no constructive solutions. He also described the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS as illegal, unfair, inhuman, and unprecedented.

The defence chiefs of the ECOWAS bloc convened in Nigeria’s capital for a two-day meeting to discuss their next course of action. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc’s commissioner for political affairs, peace, and stability, mentioned that the meeting in Abuja would address how to negotiate with the officers involved in the hostage situation in the Republic of Niger.

The sanctions announced by ECOWAS included halting energy transactions with Niger, a country that receives up to 90% of its power from neighboring Nigeria, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.