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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) defence chiefs are currently in Abuja, Nigeria for a 2-day meeting to discuss the recent coup in Niger. The bloc had demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held by the military, and warned it might possibly use military force.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) defence chiefs are currently in Abuja, Nigeria for a 2-day meeting to discuss the recent coup in Niger. The bloc had demanded the “immediate release and reinstatement” of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being held by the military, and warned it might possibly use military force.
ECOWAS declared its “zero tolerance” for coups and has said it will “take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order” if its demands are not met, Voice of Nigeria reports. The bloc has also imposed a no-fly zone over Niger, closed all land borders with the country, and imposed financial sanctions against the junta. The junta has said it will not back down and has warned ECOWAS and unnamed Western nations against stepping in. It is unclear what will happen if the coup does not comply with ECOWAS’s demands. The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their fraternal solidarity of the people of Mali and Burkina Faso with their brothers in Niger who have decided of their own accord to take their destiny in hand and to assume their sovereignty.
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The coup in Niger is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West Africa. In 2020, there were coups in Mali and Guinea, and in 2021, there was a coup in Burkina Faso. ECOWAS has been criticized for its handling of these coups, with some arguing that the bloc has not done enough to deter further military takeovers. It remains to be seen whether ECOWAS will be able to successfully restore constitutional order in Niger. However, the bloc’s tough stance on the coup is a sign that it is taking the situation seriously and is determined to prevent further instability in the region.
