The Economic Community Of West African States (Ecowas) has issued a 7 day ultimatum to the new Military Government in Niger to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power or face military action.
The ultimatum comes after the West African regional block slapped Niger with economic sanctions that include a freeze on all trade with the country by all Ecowas member states as well as the freezing of Niamey’s assets in regional Central banks.
The 15-nation ECOWAS bloc’s response to the region’s seventh coup of recent years came as crowds in Niger’s capital Niamey burned French flags and stoned the former colonial power’s mission, drawing tear gas from police.
In a related development, Niger’s northern neighbour Algeria has pledged military support for Niamey’s new rulers in the event of any attack by hostile forces. Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea have also issued statements in support of Niger’s new government and said any attack on it would be viewed as a declaration of war on their own countries.
“If anyone dares invade Niger due to the Military takeover, coup d’état, we will declare it as a war against them (invaders) and we will send our military to defend the country (Niger)” – Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea (President of Guinea)
Meanwhile Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Burkina Faso has also Banned Uranium exports to France and the United States of America.