By John Ikani
Top military officials representing the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, are set to gather in Abuja, Nigeria, for a two-day meeting starting Wednesday to address the recent coup in Niger.
A press release by the bloc on Tuesday said the meeting aims to discuss last week’s coup in Niger.
Earlier on Sunday, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States expressed “zero tolerance” for coups and issued a warning that they might employ force if the junta fails to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum within a week.
President Bazoum is currently being held captive by the putschists.
It was the first time ECOWAS threatened military action to counter-coups in the region, having last enforced such intervention in 2017 during the Gambia crisis.
The West African leaders also announced the immediate enforcement of a no-fly zone over Niger for all commercial flights, the closure of land borders, and the imposition of financial sanctions against the junta.
The junta, on the other hand, has cautioned against any “plan of aggression against Niger” by regional or Western powers, affirming its resistance.
In the capital city of Niamey, hundreds of coup supporters staged a protest outside the French embassy.
Leonardo Santos Simao, the special representative and head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, emphasized the significance of ECOWAS’ actions, citing Niger’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism in the region.
No official negotiations are currently taking place between ECOWAS and the military junta.
Concerns arise that Niger may shift towards Russia following the coup, much like Burkina Faso and Mali did after their respective coups.
Some protesters outside the French embassy in Niamey expressed support for Russia and President Putin while setting fire to the embassy compound.
In response, France stated that it will not tolerate any attack on its interests in Niger and will retaliate promptly and resolutely, as conveyed by President Emmanuel Macron’s office.
