The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave, on Sunday July 30, « a period of seven days » to the soldiers who seized power by force in Niger to free the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum.
The organization which met in extraordinary session in Abuja, Nigeria, maintained that “President Mohamed Bazoum is the one and only legitimate president of Niger”.
Overall, ECOWAS demanded a « complete return to constitutional order » within a week, under penalty of using force and taking other measures that would be imposed as sanctions.
From the outset, the organization decided to close the borders between Niger and the countries of the community, to prohibit travel by members of the junta and their families within the community, as well as to suspend all transactions trade with Niger.
Alongside these measures, ECOWAS has also undertaken mediation with Niger, appointing the Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, to carry out this mission. The latter immediately, after the session, paid a visit to Niamey.
On Twiter, Mahamat Idriss informs « having made (…) a brief consultation visit to Abuja in Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian President, President-in-Office of ECOWAS » and completed his « trip with a visit to Niger which is going through a crisis. major policy.
“In Niamey, I had in-depth discussions with the leaders of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), in particular General Abdourahamane Tchiani, with President Mohamed Bazoum as well as former President Mahamadou Issoufou in a fraternal approach which aims to explore all avenues in order to find a peaceful solution to the crisis that is shaking this neighboring country,” he continued.
It therefore remains to be seen what will be done in the next few days, with a view to respecting the ECOWAS ultimatum. The putschists overthrew the regime of President Bazoum on July 26, due, according to them, to « the deterioration of the security situation » in the country.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1270 of 07/31/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
