According to Nigerian President Tinubu, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), plans to completely shut down borders to Niger, prevent operation of commercial and special flights from Niger, and use military force against the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), if it remains non-compliant to alliance demands.
The full statement from President Tinubu to the Nigerian Senate reads below:
”Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt. In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique. Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.
“Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic. Mobilizing international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique. Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic.”
“Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions particularly via social media. Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”
One of the primary demands from ECOWAS on the military junta, lead by Mr. Tchiani, is the immediate restoration of President Bazoum or his release to friendly nations. An ECOWAS delegation departed Niamey International Airport in Niger today after only one session, without even meeting Tchiani, signaling a breakdown in negotiations.
#Niger-La délégation de la CÉDEAO venue à Niamey pour obtenir " à l'amiable" le retour à l'ordre constitutionnel a écourté son séjour. Elle n'a même pas quitté l'aéroport où elle a rencontré un membre de la junte, le Gl Moussa S. Barmou qui a rejeté les décisions de la Cédeao .
— Serge Daniel (@sergedanielinfo) August 4, 2023
