In the aftermath of the recent coup in Niger, the military rulers have detained over 180 members of the previously democratically elected administration, as reported by the ousted ruling party on Monday.
Prominent figures, including the president of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, Foumakoye Gado, Mines Minister Ousseini Hadizatou, and Energy Minister Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, are among those who have been arrested.
Additionally, the coup plotters have suspended Niger’s constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions, drawing international condemnation.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders, demanding the release and reinstatement of the ousted president, Bazoum, within a week. Should the demand not be met, ECOWAS has threatened to take measures, potentially including the use of force.
However, neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali have warned ECOWAS against military intervention in Niger.
They stated that any such intervention would be seen as a declaration of war against their transitional governments. The situation remains tense as regional leaders grapple with finding a resolution to the crisis in Niger.
