The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger Republic military, demanding the release and reinstatement of President Mohammed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State.

The military coup in Niger led to the detention of President Bazoum, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani being declared as the new leader.

In response to the military’s rejection of their demands and warning against intervention, ECOWAS leaders have imposed sanctions on Niger.

These include the closure of land and air borders with member-states, a no-fly zone, suspension of commercial flights, freezing of assets in ECOWAS Central Bank, and suspension of financial transactions.

President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority, called for swift implementation of these resolutions, urging the coup plotters to surrender and allow the will of the people to prevail.

The meeting was attended by several West African leaders and representatives.

Niger’s military leaders, however, rejected ECOWAS’ call, accusing the organization of planning aggression and military intervention in collaboration with non-ECOWAS African countries and certain Western nations.