Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government have arrived Nigeria on Sunday for an emergency meeting expected to deliberate on the next line of action regarding the coup in the Republic of Niger.
The meeting is currently taking place at Abuja, the nation’s capital.
President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS, is presiding over the meeting at the Presidential Villa on the way out of the impasse that the military takeover has thrown the Niger into.
Among African leaders who have arrived at the venue are the transitional President of Tchad, Gen Mahamat Kaka, President. Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea-Bissau and Togo. Others are Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma and President
Others are President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, among others.
President Tinubu had reacted to the political unrest in Republic of Niger, when he warned that ECOWAS would not accept coups in the continent.
ECOWAS nations, including Niger republic, would likely impose sanctions on the military headed by the former head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani.
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The African Union, ECOWAS, UN, EU and Niger’s former colonial ruler France, have condemned the takeover, insisting on return to constitutional rule in the country.
Though funding is still unclear, the ECOWAS leaders have agreed on a regional security force to intervene against jihadists and military coups.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council “demands the military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of 15 days”, it said in a communiqué after a meeting on Friday.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council condemned the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was taken into custody on Wednesday by the coupists.
The takeover was justified by the junta as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the country.
In light of the unfolding events, the AU’s call for the military to restore constitutional authority and return to their barracks is aimed at upholding democratic principles and preserving stability in Niger.
