The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a stern warning to the military leaders who orchestrated the recent coup in Niger.
In an emergency meeting held on Sunday in the Nigerian capital Abuja, ECOWAS member states threatened severe sanctions and the use of force if constitutional order is not promptly restored.
The coup, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in the arrest of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum by officers of General Omar Tchiani’s elite unit.
Subsequently, General Tchiani appointed himself as the country's new ruler on Friday, leading to the suspension of Niger's constitution and the dissolution of all constitutional institutions.
ECOWAS, determined to uphold democratic principles and condemn unconstitutional changes of power, demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.
If order is not restored within a week, the group of West African states will take decisive measures, including the use of force and the legal prosecution of the military junta.
Moreover, ECOWAS member states announced the suspension of all trade and financial transactions with Niger, as well as the closure of air and national borders.
The central banks of member states were also urged to freeze the assets of Nigerien state-owned and parastatal companies, along with those of the military personnel involved in the coup.
This move follows France and the European Union's suspension of all financial support to Niger in response to the coup.
The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, expressed support for ECOWAS's stance, emphasizing the need for the immediate release of President Bazoum and the restoration of the legitimate, democratically-elected government.
In response to the crisis, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Niger's capital, Niamey, to show support for the new military rulers.
The demonstration aimed to deter intervention from France and ECOWAS. Demonstrators waved Russian flags in solidarity with the Russian forces present in Mali and Burkina Faso, countries that also experienced military coups and turned towards Russia for support.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stern warning, vowing not to tolerate any attacks on France or French interests in Niger, which gained independence from France in 1960.
The French Foreign Ministry called on the forces controlling Niger to ensure the safety of French diplomatic representatives in the country.
ECOWAS has announced the immediate appointment of a special envoy to deliver their demands to the military junta in Niger, seeking a peaceful and expeditious resolution of the current situation.
As tensions escalate, the international community closely watches how events will unfold in the West African nation.