African nations warn of force if coup fails to restore President.

West African⁣ Nations Give Niger’s Coup ‍Leaders Ultimatum

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — In a bold‌ move, West African nations ‌have issued a one-week ultimatum to Niger’s ⁤coup leaders, demanding the reinstatement ⁣of the country’s democratically elected president. If ⁢their ⁣demands are not met, they have threatened to use force to restore constitutional ⁣order.

The announcement came after an emergency meeting of West African countries in Nigeria, where the regional bloc known as ECOWAS convened​ to address⁢ the recent military takeover in Niger. President ‌Mohamed Bazoum, who remains under house arrest, has yet to resign.

“In the ​event the authority’s demands are not met within one week, ⁣(the bloc will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use ‍of force,” said the statement.

The bloc has also imposed strict sanctions, including the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger, ​as well as the freezing of assets in regional central banks.

Economic sanctions could have a deep impact on⁤ Nigeriens, who⁢ live in one of the world’s poorest countries. The country heavily relies ⁣on imports from Nigeria for up​ to 90% of its power.

Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou expressed concern about the potential consequences of the sanctions, stating ⁤that‍ Niger heavily depends ⁢on the international community.

ECOWAS’s Efforts to Restore Democracy

The 15-nation ECOWAS bloc⁤ has been unsuccessful in⁣ its previous attempts to restore democracies in countries where the‍ military has taken power. Currently, four nations in West and Central Africa are governed by military governments, and there have been nine successful or​ attempted coups since 2020.

ECOWAS has a history of intervention in the region. In the 1990s, it intervened in Liberia during its civil war, and in 2017, it intervened in Gambia ⁣to ensure a peaceful transition ⁢of power.

If ECOWAS ‌decides to use force, it could potentially lead to violence between Niger and ECOWAS forces, as well as among civilians​ supporting or opposing the coup.

However, some experts believe that economic sanctions are more likely to be imposed due to the potential violence that a military intervention could trigger.

The military junta,⁣ which seized power by ‌surrounding President Bazoum’s house and detaining him, has already started​ cracking down on the government and civil liberties. The junta has ordered the return of all government cars and banned ​the use of social media to prevent messages against state security.

Pro-junta supporters have taken to the streets in the capital, Niamey, denouncing France and showing support for Russia. The involvement of Russia‍ in​ the rallies, if any, remains unclear.

Despite the uncertainty, the people of Niger are demanding change ⁢and improvement in social conditions. They hope for peace ‌and a better life in their country.

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior ‌to publication. Therefore, it may⁣ contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards.​ It ‍is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

The post War Drums: African Nations Threaten Use of ⁢Force If ⁣Coup Fails to Reinstate President appeared⁢ first on The Western Journal.

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