ECOWAS Gives Niger Junta a Week to Reinstate the President

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of the elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been in detention since July 26th. ECOWAS has warned that if these demands are not met, they will take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, including the use of force. Chiefs of defense staff from member countries are scheduled to meet promptly to address the situation.

AFP reported this.

As a response to the coup in Niger, the member states of ECOWAS have announced the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions with Niger, as well as the termination of energy agreements. Additionally, they have frozen Niger's assets in central and commercial banks within the community and imposed a travel ban.

On August 30th, supporters of the military junta held a demonstration in support of the armed forces in Niger, with some participants seen waving Russian flags.

On July 26th, the military declared that President Mohamed Bazoum had been removed from power due to the deterioration of security and poor governance. Following the coup, the country's borders were closed, a curfew was imposed, and all institutions were suspended. The military assured that they would respect Bazoum's life and health and warned against any foreign interference. President Bazoum was elected in the 2021 elections and is considered a key ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa.

Niger gained independence from France in 1960 and has experienced four successful coups and several failed attempts to overthrow the government. Throughout its history, the country has been predominantly ruled by military leaders.

Note: ECOWAS is a sub-regional organization comprising West African countries. Its main objective is to promote economic integration among the countries in the region.