West African leaders threaten Niger Republic coupists
The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have declared that the toppled President of Niger Republic Mohamed Bazoum by the soldiers remains the legitimate President of the country.
Penpushing reports that the West Africa States leaders made the declaration in a communique issued at the end of the 51st Extraordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), held in Abuja, Nigeria
The meeting chaired by Nigeria’s President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu therefore called for the immediate release and reinstatement of Bazoum as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger
Penpushing further reports that the meeting explained that the extraordinary summit was convened in response to the latest political developments in the Republic of Niger since the 26th July 2023 coup d’état
‘His Excellency President Mohamed BAZOUM remains the legitimate elected President and Head of State of The Republic of Niger recognized by ECOWAS, the African Union and the International community; In this regards, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS’, the communique emphasised
Penpushing also reports that the leaders frowned at what they described as illegal detention of Bazoum as well as members of his family and government; adding that the principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government as enshrined in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)and African Union Protocols and other instruments.
The meeting equally rejected any form of resignation that may purportedly come from Bazoum; and also considered his detention by the coupists as illegal and as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of Bazoum, as well as members of his family and Government.
‘In the event the Authority’s demands are not met within one week, 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; Hold accountable all those responsible for violence and terror against lives and properties of innocent citizens and residents’, the communiques stated
Penpushing reports that the meeting condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors; and expressed appreciation to the various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The meeting as part of its resolutions appointed and dispatch a special representative of the Chair of the Authority to Niger immediately to deliver the demands of the authority, just as it announced some measures to be applied with immediate effect
Penpushing further reports the measures include closure of land and air borders between Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries and Niger; Institution of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
The other measures are suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States and Niger; Freeze of all service transaction including utility services; Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Central Banks; Freeze of assets of the Niger State and the State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks;
Penpushing also reports the meeting ordered suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD; Travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt, stressing that the same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials
The West African Countries leaders in attendance include: Patrice TALON (Republic of Benin), Alassane OUATTARA (Republic of Côte d’Ivoire), Adama BARROW (The Gambia), Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO(Ghana) Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Guinea Bissau), Bola Ahmed TINUBU(Nigeria),Macky SALL(Senegal) and Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE(Togolese Republic).
Penpushing reports that others are Rui Alberto DE FIGUEIREDO SOARES (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration of the Republic of Cabo Verde), Ambassador Dee-Maxwell SOAH KEMAYAH (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia), Rupert DAVIES (High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Republic of Sierra Leone).
The attendance also include representative of President Bazoum, Republic of Niger, Rui Alberto DE FIGUEIREDO SOARES, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Ambassador. Dee-Maxwell SOAH KEMAYAH, Sn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, Rupert DAVIES, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Republic of Sierra Leone.
Penpushing further reports that the Summit was also attended by: Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Leonardo Santos SIMÃO, Special Representative of the United Nations, Secretary General For West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS, Abdoulaye DIOP, President of UEMOA Commission ECOWAS Commission, Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Leonardo Santos SIMÃO, Special Representative of the United Nation, Secretary General For West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS and Abdoulaye DIOP, President of UEMOA Commission
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