By Damilare Adeleye
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has given military in Niger Republic to restore constitutional order and reinstate ousted President Muhammed Bazoum into office within the period of one week.
The one-ultimatum was issued on Sunday after an extraordinary meeting of leaders of ECOWAS member-states was held at the State House, Abuja.
While affirming that it only recognised Bazoum as the legitimate President of the landlocked state, the regional bloc also imposed land and border closures, suspending all commercial flights between Niger and ECOWAS member states.
Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced this, adding that all Chiefs of Defense Staff of the member states will proceed for an emergency meeting to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation to restore Bazoum to office.
He said the ECOWAS will “Take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Such measures may include the use of force.
“To this effect, the Chiefs of Defense Staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”
Announcing economic sanctions, Touray said ECOWAS has approved the “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 Aqua Central Bank. 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.”