ECOWAS Issues Ultimatum to Nigerien Military: Restore Constitutional Order or Face Consequences

In an extraordinary meeting, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerien military to reinstate ousted President Muhammed Bazoum and restore constitutional order. 

ECOWAS recognized Bazoum as the legitimate President and imposed land and border closures, suspending commercial flights between Niger and ECOWAS member states.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, announced the bloc's decision, stating that Chiefs of Defense Staff from member states will strategize on effective ways to restore Bazoum through possible military action if necessary. 

Economic sanctions were also imposed, freezing assets of Niger in the Aqua Central Bank, suspending financial assistance and transactions, and implementing measures against financial institutions, particularly EBID.

Following the coup, General Abdourahamane Tchiani was named the new leader by Niger's Presidential Guard, citing the need to address the degradation of the security situation linked to jihadist violence. 

The military warned against foreign military intervention, highlighting the potential consequences for the Nigerien population and the nation's stability.