Coup : ECOWAS imposes no flight zone on Niger Republic as military action looms
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 decision was announced Sunday 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 is seen as a strong reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to the 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 military 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 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.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military in Niger Republic to restore ousted President Muhammed Bazoum to office.
The decision of the extraordinary session of the Authority presided over by its Chairman, President Bola Tinubu in Abuja followed its deliberations on developments in the country where President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by members of his presidential guards for days.
Recall that the Commander of the country’s Presidential Guards, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had on Friday, declared himself the Head of a Transitional Government.
At Sunday’s meeting, the Authority affirmed its recognition of Bazoum as the legitimate President of the country and as well announced the imposition of land border closures and suspension of all commercial flights between Niger Republic and ECOWAS member states.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, announced the decision, saying that all Chiefs of Defense Staff of the member states will proceed for an emergency meeting to strategize
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