President Bola Tinubu has provided a detailed briefing to the National Assembly regarding ECOWAS’ proposed military action and other penalties against the coup plotters in the Niger Republic. In a formal letter addressed to the Senate and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu expressed his condemnation of the unfortunate political situation in Niger that led to the overthrow of its democratically elected government.
In the letter, President Tinubu informed the upper chamber that ECOWAS, under his leadership, had taken a firm stance against the coup and had resolved to seek the restoration of the democratically elected government. As part of the response, the regional body imposed a series of sanctions on the Niger Republic during an emergency meeting convened after the coup.
The imposed sanctions included freezing utility services and closing land borders with the Niger Republic. Furthermore, ECOWAS decided to cut off electricity supply to the country and mobilize international support to implement the provisions of its communique. Additionally, commercial and special flights to and from the Niger Republic were prevented, and goods in transit to the country, particularly from Lagos and eastern seaports, were blocked.
To bolster the impact of these actions, ECOWAS initiated a sensitization campaign through social media to emphasize the importance of the sanctions. Moreover, a military build-up and the deployment of personnel were considered for possible military intervention in case the military junta in Niger remained defiant.
The coup d’Ă©tat in Niger took place on July 26, 2023, leading to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and the installment of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the head of the new military junta. In response to the coup, West African leaders, during their recent meeting, gave the military junta a one-week ultimatum to relinquish power voluntarily or face potential military intervention.
However, amidst these developments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cautioned against military hostilities that could exacerbate the situation. He urged ECOWAS to prioritize peaceful means in their efforts to reinstate democracy in the Republic of Niger.
As the region navigates this critical juncture, the actions of ECOWAS underscore the commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring stability in the West African sub-region. The people of Niger and the international community watch with anticipation as the situation unfolds and the region seeks a peaceful resolution to restore democracy in the Niger Republic.