Niamey, Niger – (African Boulevard News) – In a display of solidarity and determination, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have issued a one-week ultimatum to the junta in Niger to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power. Failure to comply could result in military intervention, a move that the regional bloc has not shied away from in the past.
The extraordinary summit, held in Niger’s capital Niamey, saw leaders from across West Africa come together to address the political crisis unfolding in the country. President Bazoum, who was democratically elected earlier this year, has been detained by the junta since a military coup took place last week.
Calling for a swift resolution to the crisis, the ECOWAS leaders expressed their concern over the deterioration of democracy in Niger and the potential ripple effects it could have on stability in the region. Their united front sends a powerful message to the junta that their actions will not be tolerated.
ECOWAS has a history of intervening in similar situations, most notably in Mali where the regional bloc played a crucial role in restoring democratic governance after a military coup in 2020. This track record has given the leaders the credibility to issue such a stern ultimatum to the Nigerien junta.
Speaking on behalf of the regional bloc, ECOWAS Chairperson and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo reaffirmed the commitment to upholding democratic principles in member states. He stated, “We cannot allow the hard-fought gains of democracy in our region to be eroded by the actions of a few individuals. The people of Niger have spoken, and their voices must be respected.”
The ultimatum comes amidst growing international pressure on the junta to release President Bazoum and restore democratic order. The United Nations, the African Union, and several individual countries have voiced their support for ECOWAS’s stance, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
While military intervention remains a last resort, ECOWAS is exploring all diplomatic avenues to ensure a swift resolution. The regional bloc has engaged in negotiations with the junta, urging them to adhere to the principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which requires the immediate release of President Bazoum.
In the meantime, the people of Niger wait anxiously for a resolution to the crisis that has plunged their country into uncertainty. The ultimatum issued by ECOWAS leaders serves as a beacon of hope for the restoration of democracy in Niger, a cause that the international community stands firmly behind.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerien junta to see if they will bow to the pressure and release President Bazoum, or face the consequences of their actions. The fate of Niger’s democracy hangs in the balance, and the world watches in anticipation of a peaceful resolution to this political crisis.
