In a swift response to military coup in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has enforced a no-flight zone over the country.
The ECOWAS, at an urgent meeting, announced today its decision to impose a no-flight zone over Niger Republic in response to the military coup that has caused increasing tension in the country. This move, which includes air and land border closure, is considered vital to counter the influence of the junta and prevent any potential allies from providing aerial support, as it poses a threat to political stability in the region.
The ECOWAS leadership believes that the imposition of a no-flight zone will help curb the junta’s influence and hinder any potential allies from providing aerial support, even as leaders of the coup fear that the regional body could stage an imminent military intervention in the capital of the Sahel country.
The ECOWAS leadership is confident that the implementation of the no-flight zone will not only limit the junta’s reach, but also discourage any external support they may receive. The coup leaders are apprehensive that the regional body could launch a military intervention in the capital city. In addition to the no-flight zone, the ECOWAS has imposed immediate financial sanctions on the coup leaders and has given them a week to relinquish power. The regional body has also emphasized that the legitimate President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, is still recognized as the leader of the country. ECOWAS has called upon member states and the international community to uphold and respect these decisions, aiming to restore peace and stability in Niger.
In addition to the no-flight zone, the regional body has agreed on immediate financial sanctions over the coup, and has given the junta a week to cede power, while noting that a use of force has not been ruled out.
Alongside the imposition of the no-flight zone, the ECOWAS has imposed immediate financial sanctions on the coup leaders and demanded that they step down within a week. The regional body has also made it clear that the use of force is not off the table as a means to restore constitutional order.
ECOWAS also insisted that President Mohamed Bazoum remains recognized as president of Niger, and called upon member states and the international community to uphold and respect these decision, in an effort to help restore peace and stability in the republic.
The ECOWAS firmly supports President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate leader of Niger and expects member states and the international community to respect this decision. The regional body sees this as a crucial step towards reinstating peace and stability in the country.
Speaking at the emergency meeting which he presided over today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS denounced the coup by military leaders in Niger Republic, saying Africa has come of age.
During the emergency meeting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS, strongly condemned the military coup in Niger Republic, highlighting that Africa has matured and no longer tolerates coups and disruptions to constitutional order. His statement received applause from fellow leaders.
“Africa has come of age, we reject coup and interruption to constitutional order,” the Nigerian leader said amid applause.
“As African leaders, it is our sheer responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours.
“Working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always constantly be our goal and consistently, we will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun.”
President Tinubu emphasized that Africa has reached a stage where coups and disruptions to constitutional order are no longer acceptable. He called on African leaders to prioritize the wellbeing of their people, work together for prosperity and happiness, and uphold the rule of law. He firmly stated that the use of force should never be the means to resolve political issues.
On Wednesday, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the chief of Niger’s powerful presidential guard, led a military coup and seized power. The action has received condemnation from the United Nations, African Union, European Union, United States, and various regional and world leaders. General Tchiani, who has had a notable military career, declared himself the leader on Friday after his presidential guards seized President Mohamed Bazoum and held him captive in the presidential palace.
