In a stern response to the recent military coup that ousted the democratically elected government in Niger, representatives of 11 African countries, including eight heads of state, held an emergency summit in Abuja on Sunday under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).
During the summit, Ecowas leaders sent a clear ultimatum to the coup leaders: hand over power to civilian rule immediately or face potential military action. The communique issued by Ecowas upheld the principle of zero tolerance for military coups, as enshrined in the organization’s protocols and the African Union.
Furthermore, Ecowas called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was detained by the Presidential Guard during the coup, and demanded the full restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
The communique described President Bazoum’s detention, along with that of his family and other government officials, as a “hostage situation” and warned that the coup leaders would be held accountable for their safety.
The head of the Presidential Guard, Abdourahamane Tian, who instigated the coup after President Bazoum attempted to dismiss him, declared himself the new head of state. However, Ecowas, led by its determined chairman, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, vowed to defeat the coup plotters and restore democracy in Niger.
In response to the coup, Ecowas has taken several measures, including closing all borders between Ecowas and Niger and instituting a no-fly zone for commercial air flights. The organization’s military chiefs are set to meet immediately to discuss further actions.
Despite Ecowas’ strong response, reports of thousands of coup supporters taking to the streets of Niamey, the capital of Niger, have emerged. The protesters attacked the French embassy, displaying anti-French and anti-Western sentiments and even waving Russian flags, hailing the coup as a victory against colonialism.
In the international arena, the coup has been widely condemned by various organizations and countries, including the African Union, the UN, the EU, the US, China, Russia, Francophone Africa, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. France, the former colonial power, has announced the suspension of all development aid to Niger, and the US has threatened to withhold aid as well, pledging support for President Bazoum’s reinstatement and the restoration of constitutional order.
To exert further pressure on the coup leaders, Ecowas has suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger. Additionally, they have frozen all service transactions, utility services, and assets of the Republic of Niger in Ecowas central and commercial banks.
A travel ban and asset freeze have also been imposed on military officials involved in the coup and civilians supporting the military government.
The High Commissioner of Sierra Leone in Nigeria and the ministers of foreign affairs of Cape Verde and Liberia were also in attendance.
