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Tag: ECOWAS

  • After ECOWAS military order, Niger junta threaten to kill ousted president, Bazoum

    After ECOWAS military order, Niger junta threaten to kill ousted president, Bazoum

    After nine leaders from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met Thursday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss their next steps, Niger’s junta has threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

    ECOWAS reiterated its earlier threat and ordered the activation of its standby force.

    According to The Associated Press, the coup leaders disclosed to a top U.S. diplomat threatening to take action if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule.

    The threat to the deposed president raises the stakes both for ECOWAS and for the junta, which has shown its willingness to escalate its actions since it seized power on July 26.

    Niger was seen as the last country in the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert that Western nations could partner with to counter jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that has killed thousands and displaced millions of people. The international community is scrambling to find a peaceful solution to the country’s leadership crisis.

    Representatives of the junta told U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country this week, a Western military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

    A U.S. official confirmed that account, also speaking on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

    The threats from both sides escalate tensions but hopefully nudge them closer to actually talking, said Aneliese Bernard, a former U.S. State Department official who specialized in African affairs and is now director of Strategic Stabilization Advisors, a risk advisory group.

    “Still, this junta has escalated its moves so quickly that it’s possible they do something more extreme, as that has been their approach so far,” she cautioned.

    Speaking after the decision made between the member states in Abuja, ECOWAS commission president Omar Alieu Touray said he could only reaffirm the decisions by “the military authorities in the subregion to deploy a standby force of the community.”

    Financing had been discussed and “appropriate measures have been taken,” he said.

    He blamed the junta for any hardship caused by the sanctions imposed on Niger and said further actions by the bloc would be taken jointly.

    “It is not one country against another country. The community has instruments to which all members have subscribed to,” he said.

  • ECOWAS Heads make decision on Niger crisis

    ECOWAS Heads make decision on Niger crisis

    The ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have agreed to continue the dialogue option while not dismantling the existing sanctions taken at the last summit.

    President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, disclosed this at the end of the second extraordinary summit on the political situation in the Niger Republic on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the military chiefs of the region have also been given further directive to activate the standby force to serve as a last option in restoring constitutional government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

    ‘’Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions.

    ‘’Direct the Committee of the chief of defense staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.

    ‘’Order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

    ‘’Underscore its continued commitment for the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means,’’ he said.

    He said that the ECOWAS would need the support of partner countries and institutions including the United Nation on the restoration of peace and stability in the sub-region.

    Earlier in his opening speech, President Bola Tinubu, who is the Chair ECOWAS Heads of States and Government, said that the body was still optimistic of achieving a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

    He said that the ECOWAS Heads were desirous of reaching a consensus on the crisis as a way of setting exemplary precedence in the region against undemocratic change of government.

    ‘’As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.

    ‘’Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

    ‘’More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

    ‘’We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.’’

    Tinubu further said that all hope was not lost in gaining peace in Niger, adding that it’s a duty to done by the regional bloc.

    “All is not lost yet. The outcome of this summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the people of Niger and to the progress of entire ECOWAS community.
    *We will continue with that. And you will see from the communique of this extraordinary summit that no option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort.
    “If we don’t do it, no one else will do it for us. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Niger in the journey towards peaceful democratic stability in the country,” he said.

    Some of the resolutions at the last summit include the closure of all land and air borders between 15-member ECOWAS nations and Niger.

    The Niger military and anybody backing the coup will no longer enjoy any financial transaction within the region either as government or individuals, he said.

    Similarly, travel ban was placed on the junta, its officials and families until the restoration of democratic institutions.

  • Tinubu tasks ECOWAS leaders on diplomatic options in Niger crisis

    Tinubu tasks ECOWAS leaders on diplomatic options in Niger crisis

    President Bola Tinubu has charged member Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS to continue to consider all options in finding a peaceful resolution to the Niger Republic political crises.

    He stated this at the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger on Thursday in Abuja.

    Tinubu, who is the Chair of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, said that the decisions must be to the benefits of the people of Niger and the sub-region.

    ‘’It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

    ‘’Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

    ‘’We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.’’

    The president, however, urged the leaders to recognise that the political crisis in Niger republic poses a threat to the stability of the nation and a far-reaching implication for the sub-region.

    ‘’By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.’’

    He added that the summit would be a defining moment towards a stronger, more resilience and integrated West Africa.

    ‘’Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity,’’ he said.

    Tinubu commended the various envoys deployed on mediation mission to Niger, Libya and other partner countries.

    In attendance at the summit are Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau, and Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.

    Others are Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana, Macky Sall of Senegal, and Patrice Talon of  Benin Republic.

    Also present were retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Babagana Kingibe and the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III.

    On July 28,in a swift response to military coup in Niger Republic, ECOWAS enforced a no-flight zone over the country.

    The decision was announced by the ECOWAS, at an urgent meeting following the increasing tension stirred by the military actors who are attempting to take over in Niger.

    This significant move which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to political stability within 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.

    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.

    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 this decision, in an effort to help restore peace and stability in the republic.

    Speaking at the emergency meeting which he presided over today, President Tinubu denounced the coup by military leaders in Niger Republic, saying Africa has come of age.

  • Niger update: Tinubu imposes fresh sanctions on coupists

    Niger update: Tinubu imposes fresh sanctions on coupists

    The Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has imposed additional sanctions over the coup in Niger Republic.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the regional bloc had earlier given Niger junta seven days to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or risk sanctions, including possible military action.

    But the coupists called the bluff of ECOWAS and vowed to resist any foreign invasion on its soil.

    It also severed ties with Nigeria, Togo, France and US, and shut down Nigerien airspace indefinitely.

    At the end of the ultimatum, the bloc scheduled a meeting for next Thursday to review the situation in the West African nation.

    Addressing State House correspondents on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngeale, said more sanctions had been imposed on the individuals and entities relating with the military junta in Niger Republic.

    Although he did not go into details, he said this was carried out through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

    I can also report that following the expiration of the deadline of the ultimatum and standing on the preexisting consensus position of financial sanctions meted out on the military junta in Niger Republic by the bloc of ECOWAS Heads of State, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an additional slew of financial sanctions through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on entities and individuals related to or involved with the military junta in Niger Republic.

    “The ECOWAS mandate, and ultimatum is not a Nigerian ultimatum. It is not a Nigerian mandate and the office of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also serving as the chairman of ECOWAS seeks to emphasize this point. That due to certain domestic and international media coverage, tending toward a personalization of the ECOWAS sub regional position to his Person and to our nation individually.

    “It is because of this that Mr. president has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued by ECOWAS is that of ECOWAS’s position. While His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assumed the ECOWAS chairmanship, the position of ECOWAS conveys the consensus position of member heads of state. And a coup will not occur in one’s backyard, without one being particularly aware of it.

    “The president in recent days, particularly following the expiration of the ultimatum given by ECOWAS has widened consultations internationally but most especially domestically, including interfaces with state governors in Nigeria, who govern states bordering Niger Republic on the various fallouts and outcomes of the unfortunate situation that has unfolded in Niger Republic.

    “But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wishes to emphasize to this distinguished audience that the response of ECOWAS to the military coup in Niger has been and will remain devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments and considerations.

    “The regional bloc is made up of all sub regional ethnic groups, religious groups, and all other forms of human diversity. And the response of ECOWAS, therefore, represents all of these groups, and not any of these groups individually.”

  • ECOWAS imposes extra sanctions on Niger military junta

    ECOWAS imposes extra sanctions on Niger military junta

    A new set of sanctions have been imposed on groups, organisations, and individuals identified as giving support to the military junta in the Republic of Niger.

    Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing State House Correspondents.

    He said that President Bola Tinubu has already directed the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement this directive in accordance with the ECOWAS protocol.

    ‘’I can report that following the expiration of the deadline of the ultimatum and standing on the pre-existing consensus position of financial sanctions meted out on the military junta in Niger Republic by the bloc of ECOWAS Heads of State.

    ‘’His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an additional slew of financial sanctions through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on entities and individuals related to or involved with the military junta in Niger Republic,’’ he said.

    On the deadline given to the junta on Sunday, Ngelale decried the media reports linking the decision of the ECOWAS to the person of the president of Nigeria.

    ‘’Concerning the ultimatum given to the military Junta in Niger Public, the ECOWAS mandate and ultimatum is not a Nigerian ultimatum.

    “The office of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also serving as the Chairman of ECOWAS, seeks to emphasise this point.

    ‘’Certain domestic and international media coverage tend towards a personalisation of the ECOWAS sub-regional position to his person and to our nation individually.

    “It is because of this that Mr president has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued ECOWAS is that of ECOWAS’s position,’’ he said.

    Ngelale said that the president, following the expiration of the ultimatum given by ECOWAS, has widened consultations internationally, but most especially domestically.

    He said that the consultations include interfaces with state governors in Nigeria bordering Niger Republic on the various fallouts and outcomes of the unfortunate situation in that country.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wishes to emphasise to this distinguished audience that the response of ECOWAS to the military coup in Niger has been and will remain devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments and considerations.

    “The regional bloc is made up of all sub-regional ethnic groups, religious groups, and all other forms of human diversity. And the response of ECOWAS, therefore, represents all of these groups, and not any of these groups individually.’’

    Ngelale said that all options are still being considered as the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government holds on Thursday in Abuja.

  • ECOWAS in dilemma as Senate hold back Tinubu’s planned military intervention

    ECOWAS in dilemma as Senate hold back Tinubu’s planned military intervention

    The one week deadline that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) handed the military coupists has expired.

    Last week, the regional body gave the junta seven days to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and restore democratic order.

    While Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani-led junta has remained defiant, ECOWAS spearheaded by Nigeria also remains silent as to what should be its next line of action.

    Stakeholders have cautioned President Bola Tinubu to tread softly in the use of force against Nigeria’s neighboring Niger.

    In his efforts as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu sent a high-powered delegation to broker peace with Tchiani, this week, but it was deadlocked.

    Also, the Senate did not approve the letter the President wrote, to seek its consent in mobilising and deploying Nigerian soldiers to Niger

    However, the position of the West is clear on Niger crisis, as the United States, France, and Germany, all backed Tinubu-chaired West African regional bloc to use force.These European countries have not only evacuated their nationals in Niger, they also partially or completely suspended financial to the country.

    As the world awaits what will be the next move of ECOWAS, the United States currently has some 1,000 soldiers stationed in the country, Germany has a contigent of roughly 100 troops on the ground, according to some European media.

    The situation in Niger reflects that of Mali, which also saw foreign soldiers ordered out of the country after a military coup in 2021.

    Neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso — which saw a military coup in 2022 — have both pledged their support to Niger’s should ECOWAS make good on its threat of military intervention.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria has the clout to fight Niger economically, as it has closed border and cut power supply, and more sanctions could be taken as days go by with all efforts to return the country to democracy.

  • Italy calls on ECOWAS to extend Niger ultimatum

    Italy calls on ECOWAS to extend Niger ultimatum

    Italy has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  to extend its deadline for the reinstatement of Niger’s ousted president.

    Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani gave the advice in an interview published on Monday.

    “The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani told La Stampa newspaper.

    Niger closed its airspace on Sunday until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from the West African regional bloc after coup leaders rejected a deadline to reinstate the country’s ousted president Mohammed Bazoum.

    Earlier, thousands of junta supporters flocked to a stadium in Niamey, the capital, cheering the decision not to cave into external pressure to stand down by Sunday following the July 26 power grab.

    The coup, the seventh in West and Central Africa in three years, has rocked the Sahel region, one of the poorest in the world.

    Given its uranium and oil riches and its pivotal role in a war with Islamist militants, Niger holds importance for the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia.

    Defence chiefs of the bloc have agreed a possible military action plan, including when and where to strike, if the detained president, Mohamed Bazoum, is not released and reinstated by the deadline.

  • Niger’s coup leaders stand ground as ECOWAS’ ultimatum expires

    Niger’s coup leaders stand ground as ECOWAS’ ultimatum expires

    Niger’s coup leaders have taken a defiant stance by shutting down the country’s airspace after rejecting an ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum or face the threat of military intervention.

    The announcement, made late on Sunday, coincided with a massive gathering of coup supporters at a stadium in Niger’s capital, Niamey, showing their support for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the group that seized power.

    A CNSP spokesman Amadou Abdramane, cited the increasing threat of military intervention from neighboring countries within Central Africa as the reason for closing the airspace.

    “In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday … for all aircraft until further notice.

    “Niger’s armed forces and all our defence and security forces, backed by the unfailing support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory,” Abdramane said.

    While specific details of the pre-deployment of forces were not disclosed, the CNSP emphasized its readiness to defend Niger’s territorial integrity with the support of its armed forces and the people.

    The coup in Niger followed months of tension between President Mohamed Bazoum and his chief guard, revolving around the leader’s attempts to assert his authority and independence from his predecessor.

    President Bazoum’s actions, including strengthening military cooperation with France and the United States, limiting the autonomy of army commanders, and launching anti-corruption initiatives, created opposition from some influential figures, particularly in the oil sector.

    General Abdourahamane Tiani, who had served as the head of guard under former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou for a decade and continued under Bazoum’s presidency, plotted the coup, securing the loyalty of certain military commanders to ensure the plan’s success.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) notes that Issoufou was elected as the president in 2011, just a year after a military coup in Niger.

    Throughout his tenure, he earned praise for his commitment to democracy and good governance, voluntarily stepping aside in 2021 after serving two terms to set the stage for the first-ever democratic transition of power in Niger since its independence.

    The situation remains tense in Niger, with the CNSP’s decision to close the airspace further escalating the standoff with ECOWAS which had given an ultimatum to the coup leaders, demanding the reinstatement of the deposed president or face potential military intervention.

    However, there have been calls for the regional bloc to exercise restraint and refrain from using force to resolve the crisis and neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, which are also governed by military administrations, have warned that any attack on Niger will be perceived as an attack on them too.

    As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the world are on Niger, hoping for a resolution that leads to stability, unity, and prosperity for the nation and its people.

     

     

  • After ECOWAS deadline: Tinubu meets northern govs sharing borders with Niger

    After ECOWAS deadline: Tinubu meets northern govs sharing borders with Niger

    After ECOWAS deadline given to Niger junta, President Bola Tinubu on Sunday evening met with the Northern governors, whose states are sharing boundary with Niger Republic at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Although the agenda of the meeting was not made public, a presidency source said it was part of consultations by the President on the situation in Niger.
    The governors in attendance were Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Mai Malam Buni (Yobe), Idris Nasir (Kebbi) and Dr Dikko Radda (Katsina).

    It was gathered that the Northern Elites have kicked against any military might against the military junta following what would be the consequence of such action on Nigeria.

    The meeting according to a presidency source was convened to get input from the northern Governors as the seven day ultimatum for the military to reinstate the overthrown President has expired.

    Recall that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had about a week ago given ultimatum to the military junta that sacked the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.

    The military junta led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), took over after a coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, on 26 July 2023.

    The ECOWAS Heads State and Government headed by President Tinubu in a meeting in Abuja issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military juncta in Niger Republic to reinstate Bazoum as democratically elected President or face a range of stiff sanctions.

    The Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, in its resolution, recognised Bazoum as the legitimate President of the nation.

  • Celebration in Niger’s capital as ECOWAS ultimatum expires

    Celebration in Niger’s capital as ECOWAS ultimatum expires

    About 30,000 Nigeriens trooped out to attend a rally in Niamey, capital of Niger, on Sunday, in support of the military junta, as deadline issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expired.

    The Nigeria-led ECOWAS, last Sunday, gave Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani and his lieutenants one week to release ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and restore democratic order in Niger.

    Bazoum’s democratic government that came into power in 2021 was toppled on July 26, an incident that was widely criticised.

    However, as junta refused to succumb to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s ECOWAS threat, Gen Mohamed Toumba, one of the leaders of the military council that seized power ten days ago, defiantly addressed the crowd in Niamey.

    According to RFI, Toumba said that shadowy forces were “plotting subversion” against “Niger’s march forward. We are aware of their Machiavellian plan.

    As Tchiani-led junta has not caved in, ECOWAS spearheaded by Nigeria keeps mum on the next move against Niger.

    Its silent can be traced to caution Tinubu has received in the last days to tread softly in deploying military operations against Nigeria’s neighbouring country, Niger, which impacts would be felt in the North.

    In his efforts as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to broker peace with the military junta, this week, a move that bore no fruits.

    Niger junta’s defiance may be rooted in the support of Mali and Burkina Faso as the situation in the West African country mirrors that of Mali, which also saw foreign soldiers ordered out of the country after a military coup in 2021.

    Neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso — which experienced a military coup in 2022 — have both pledged their support to Niger’s junta should ECOWAS make good on its threat of military intervention.

    They said any military intervention against Niger, translates to a declaration of war, and they will not fold their arms.

    In a similar situation, Algeria and Chad, which are not part of ECOWAS but share borders with Niger, have both stated they will not participate in any military operation.

    “We categorically refuse any military intervention,” Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in a television interview on Saturday evening, adding that such action would be “a direct threat to Algeria”.

    The West’s evacuations and suspension of aid

    However, the position of the foreign powers is clear on Niger crisis, as the United States, France, and Germany, all back Tinubu-chaired West African regional bloc to wield power militarily.

    The West have not only evacuated their nationals in Niger, they also partially or totally suspended financial disbursements to the country.

    The US currently has some 1,000 soldiers stationed in the country, Germany has a continent of roughly 100 troops on the ground.

    Italy, one of several Western countries with forces stationed in Niger, said on Sunday it had reduced its troop numbers to make room in its military base for civilians who may need protection.

    Nigeria’s economic influence

    As ECOWAS member states were consulting their legislators over the weekend on the bloc’s contingency plan to intervene, it is understood that Nigeria, the most populous African country, has an economic clout to punish Niger.

    Nigeria, which supplies up to 90 percent of the electricity in Niger, has cut off some of the supply, and also closed its land borders, as well as ordering no-fly zone.

    This has also raised prices of food in Niger, as humanitarian groups have warned of “devastating effects” on the lives of over 4.4 million people in need of aid.

    These sanctions could bring more in the days to come, as Tinubu-led West African regional bloc, will employ all possible efforts to restore democratic order in Niger.