West African Leaders Set Ultimatum for Niger’s Military Junta: Hand Over Power or Face Consequences

ABUJA, KOMPAS.com – West African leaders agreed to give Niger’s military junta a week to hand over power.

They warned not to rule out the use of force and would impose financial sanctions soon if their demands were not met.

The 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demands the immediate release and reinstatement of Niger’s President-elect, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since Wednesday (26/7/2023).

Also read: Niger Coup Leader Calls ECOWAS Immediately Launches Military Intervention

“If the demands of the authorities are not met within a week, UCOWAS will take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force,” the bloc said in a joint statement after an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. , Sunday (30/7/2023).

“To that end, the ECOWAS chiefs of defense staff will meet soon,” they added.

ECOWAS also announced the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member countries and Niger, as well as stopping energy transactions.

It said they would freeze Niger’s assets in ECOWAS central and commercial banks.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS will impose a travel ban and asset freeze for military officials involved in the Niger coup attempt.

“The same applies to members of their families and civilians who accept to participate in the institutions or governance set up by these military officials,” said the statement, which was read out at the end of the crisis meeting by Nigeria’s president and ECOWAS chair, Bola Tinubu.

Also read: Why did the Niger Coup Happen?

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2023-07-30 14:56:00
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