Heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rose from an emergency extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Sunday and threatened to use every means including military action against the coup plotters in Niger Republic should they fail to restore constitutional order in that land-locked West African country and reinstate its detained president, Mr. Mohammed Bazoum within one week.
Recall that on July 26, 2023 an air force officer, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, announced on the state television that President Bazoum had been ousted and that a National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland had been formed.
He suspended state institutions and the country’s constitution, shut international borders and imposed a curfew beginning from 10pm to 5.00 am local time until further notice.
Furthermore, the junta warned against any foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of the country.
However, ECOWAS leaders in communiqué issued at the end of their Abuja meeting and read by the president, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, called for the immediate release and reinstatement of “Bazoum as president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria,” rejected “any form of resignation that may purportedly come from…Bazoum,” and viewed the illegal detention of the ousted president “as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of…Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.”
In the event that the ECOWAS’ demands are not met within one week, the leaders resolved to take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in Niger.
“Such measures may include the use of force. For this effect, the chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately,” the communiqué stated.
Below is the full text of the communiqué
“The extraordinary summit was convened in response to the latest political developments in the Republic of Nigeria.
“The authority having received the memorandum of the President of the ECOWAS commission on the political situation in the Republic of Nigeria, extensively discussed the latest developments in the Republic of Niger, that have been marked by an attempted overthrow by members of the presidential guard of the constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria and the illegal detention of the legitimate head of state His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.
“Recalled with appreciation the immediate steps that His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chair of authority, has taken in the form of statements communiqués, mission and consultations, with regional continental and world leaders taking cognizance of the condemnation of the attempted coup, and the illegal detention of President Bazoum and members of his family and government by the neighboring countries, the African Union, United Nations European Union United States of America, China, Russia, La Francophonie, the Commonwealth, the O IC and other partners.
“Recall the principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union protocols and other instruments.
“Resolve as follows. One, His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum remains the legitimate, elected president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, recognized by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.
“In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS.
“Condemn in the strongest terms, the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, President and head of state of Niger, as well as members of his family and government.
“Call for the immediate release and reinstatement of president Mohammed Bazoum as president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria.
“Reject any form of resignation that may purportedly come from His Excellency, President Mohammed Bazoum.
“Considered the illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.
“In the event, the authorities demands are not met within one week. Take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria. Such measures may include the use of force. For this effect, the chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.
“Hold accountable, all those responsible for violence and terror against lives and properties of innocent citizens and residents of Niger.
“Condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors.
“Express our appreciation to the various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity with ECOWAS.
“Appoint and dispatch a special representative of the chair of the authority to Niger immediately to deliver the demands of the authority.
“In the meantime, the following measures are to be applied with immediate effect.
“Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger.
“Institution of ECOWAS, no fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger.
“Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions.
“Freeze assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks.
“Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
“Suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID, and BAORD.
“Calls WAHU and all other regional bodies to implement this decision.
“Impose travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt. The same applies to their family members, and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government, established by these military officials.
“Express appreciation to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President and head of state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the manner in which he has conducted the affairs of the community since his election as chair of the ECOWAS authority.”
Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal and Faure Gnassingbé of Togo attended the Summit, while the presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.
