ECOWAS has demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of the deposed President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Mohammed.
The body has equally sought for the full restoration of constitutional order in the country.
These are part of the resolutions adopted at the body’s emergency meeting in Abuja, summoned by its Chairman, President Tinubu of Nigeria, to take a unified action against the coup d’etat in Niger Republic.
The meeting rejects any form of resignation that may purportedly come from the overthrown President.
ECOWAS condemns the illegal detention of the President Bazoum, which it perceives a hostage situation, warning to hold the perpetrators of the attempted coup fully responsible for the safety and security of President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.
It says In the event, ECOWAS demands are not met within one week, it will take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
ECOWAS further warns that such measures may include the use of force, saying that the Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.
Member-states are to hold accountable all those responsible for violence and terror against the lives and property of innocent citizens and residents of Niger.
It condemns the pronouncement of support by some foreign governments and foreign private military contractors, and shows our appreciation to the various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity with ECOWAS.
The meeting resolved to immediately appoint and dispatch a special representative of the Chairman of the Authority to deliver the demands of the Authority to the coup plotters.
The regional body has, in the meantime, announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, including the institution of ECOWAS, No-Fly-Zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
Further measures taken are the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member-states and Niger, as well as the freezing of all service transactions, including energy transactions.
Also frozen are assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS States Central Banks, assets of the Niger and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
The regional body has equally announced the suspension of measure from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions.
Further measures include the imposition of travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt, including their family members and the civilians, who have accepted to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials.
Bello Wakili
