Niamey, Niger – (African Boulevard News) – ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, has strongly criticized the transition plan proposed in Niger following the recent coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. In a statement issued on Monday, the regional bloc slammed the plan as “unacceptable” and warned of the potential for a “domino effect” in the region if such actions were allowed to go unpunished.
“It is the belief among the ECOWAS heads of state and also the commission that the coup in Niger is one coup too many for the region and if we allow it then we are going to have a domino effect in the,” said Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The transition plan presented by Colonel Mamane Bassane, the leader of the coup, envisages a three-year transition period before elections are held. However, ECOWAS argues that this timeframe is too long and does not reflect the will of the people of Niger. The regional bloc has called for the immediate release of all political prisoners and the swift restoration of constitutional order.
ECOWAS has been vocal in its condemnation of coups in West Africa, considering them a threat to democracy and stability in the region. The bloc has a zero-tolerance policy for any unconstitutional change of government and has previously taken decisive action to restore democratic rule in member states.
The current situation in Niger has sent shockwaves across the region, raising concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions. ECOWAS has vowed to work with international partners to exert pressure on the transitional authorities in Niger to adhere to the principles of democracy and good governance.
However, it remains to be seen what kind of leverage ECOWAS can exert on the transitional authorities. The coup leaders have indicated that they are unmoved by external pressure and are determined to proceed with their transition plan.
As the crisis continues to unfold, regional and international actors are closely monitoring the situation in Niger. The African Union, the United Nations, and other stakeholders have also expressed their concern over the coup and called for a peaceful resolution that respects the will of the people.
In the coming days, ECOWAS is expected to announce further measures to address the crisis in Niger. The regional bloc has a range of options at its disposal, including diplomatic, economic, and even military interventions if necessary. The international community will be watching closely to see how ECOWAS responds and whether it can effectively restore democratic order in Niger.
With the stakes high and the future of democracy in West Africa hanging in the balance, ECOWAS’s strong stance against the transition plan in Niger sends a clear message that coups will not be tolerated in the region. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the crisis and shaping the future of Niger and the wider region.
