Niger’s top diplomat said ECOWAS was determined to take military action if the putschists who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum didn’t stand down, in remarks published Friday in a Spanish newspaper.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed heavy economic sanctions on Niger after the July 26 coup and said it would consider military intervention if talks to restore civilian rule fail.
“ECOWAS is determined to carry out a military intervention,” Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou said in an interview with El Pais daily.
On Thursday, Bola Tinubu, president of neighboring Nigeria and chairman of ECOWAS, floated the idea of a nine-month transition back to democracy for Niger’s new regime.
He said Nigeria had been able to return to civilian rule in 1999 following a similar nine-month transition period.
READ ALSO:
Putchists Must Leave or Face ECOWAS Military Action, Niger FM Warns
Tinubu recalls all ambassadors
African Union “suspends” Gabon with immediate effect
Niger’s military leaders have insisted they want a three-year transition period to restore constitutional order.
“So far (ECOWAS) has opted for the diplomatic route, which is normal. But if all negotiations fail, it can only offer a military solution,” Massoudou said.
The putschists must “relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum,” he told the paper, saying Niger’s leader had “no reason whatsoever” to stand down.
“After that, everything is negotiable, their departure terms can be discussed. But there will be no solution unless Bazoum is reinstated. The only way is if the putschists stand down.”
The overthrown president was in “reasonable health” despite being “held hostage in his own home with his wife and child with the electricity cut off” with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), he said.
“Their living conditions are quite hard, but he is in good spirits.”
Earlier this week, Algeria, which shares a 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) land border with Niger, proposed a six-month transitional plan for its coup-hit neighbor that would be overseen by a civilian power.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
Wike Sacks 21 Heads Of FCTA Agencies, Companies
MaTaZ ArIsInGTexas A statement by the ministry ordered the affected appointees to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate termination of the appointments of 21 heads of parastatals, agencies, and government companies of the FCT…
I have no hand in Mohbad’s death – Naira Marley
MaTaZ ArIsInGTexas I AM ALSO NOT A DRUG LORD, CULTIST… Popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley on Tuesday said he’s making arrangements to return to the country to assist the ongoing investigation over the death of his former signee Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad. The Marlian boss made this known in a statement…
Sam Larry Is The True Father Of Mohbad’s Child – Kemi Olunloyo Alleges
MaTaZ ArIsInGTexas Popular Nigerian journalist Kemi Olunloyo reveals that Sam Larry is the alleged father of Mohbad’s child after doing her investigations. The controversial journalist made this assertion to all and sundry in her latest Instagram post today, September 25 adding that the investigation has been submitted to the police. This comes after Kemi Olunloyo…
