Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Following the military junta’s seizure of power in Niger, ECOWAS, the West African Regional bloc, has issued a stern ultimatum to the junta. ECOWAS demands the restoration of constitutional order within one week. In response, thousands of supporters of the military junta gathered on the streets of Niamey, the capital, to express their support. During the demonstration, they waved Russian flags and voiced their disapproval of France, the country’s former colonial power. The situation remains tense as the junta faces pressure from both regional and international bodies to return Niger to constitutional normality.
Amid the ongoing political situation in Niger, a resident of Niamey named Omar Baomoussa has appealed to the European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS not to intervene in the country’s affairs. His plea comes as the regional bloc, ECOWAS, held an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. During the meeting, ECOWAS made it clear that the use of force is not ruled out as they seek to address the political instability in Niger. The situation remains delicate as international bodies and regional organizations weigh their responses while the junta faces pressure to restore constitutional normality in the country.
In response to ECOWAS’ one-week ultimatum and the regional bloc’s discussion of potential military intervention in Niger, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the spokesperson for the coup leaders, reacted with strong determination. He accused ECOWAS of collaborating with certain African nations and non-member Western countries to plan a military intervention in Niger. Colonel Major Abdramane emphasized their unwavering resolve to defend the country against any external intervention. The situation remains tense as the junta leaders and regional organizations continue to engage in a standoff, further complicating the efforts to restore constitutional normality in Niger.
The military junta claims to have overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from France. The coup leaders cited their dissatisfaction with President Bazoum’s inability to effectively counter the growing jihadi violence in the nation as their reason for taking action.
