ECOWAS Gives Niger Junta Week To Cede Power, Threatens Force, Sanctions
West African leaders have given the Military
Junta in Niger one week to cede power warning that they did not rule out the “use
of force” and imposed immediate financial sanctions.
The Economic Community Of West African
States made up of 15 nations demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement”
of Niger-elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been a hostage of the
military since Wednesday.
“In
the event, the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will)
take all measures necessary 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 its emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
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“For this
effect, the chiefs of defense staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”
ECOWAS
announced the “suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between
ECOWAS member states and Niger”, which is part of the bloc, as well as halting
energy transactions.
It said it
was freezing Niger’s assets in ECOWAS central and commercial banks and imposing
a “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,” said
the statement, which was read out at the end of the crisis meeting by Nigerian
president and ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu.
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