By Latiifah Amusan
The self-declared leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, stated that the junta would not give in to pressure from ECOWAS to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
As part of the sanctions imposed on Niger by the West African bloc, Nigeria cut power supplies to the country.
ECOWAS has taken a firm stance, warning of potential military intervention if the junta does not restore Bazoum’s presidency within a week.
In a televised address, Tiani rejected the sanctions and interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
ECOWAS has been facing challenges in preventing democratic backslides in the region and has vowed to address coups seriously.
Meanwhile, the UK and the World Bank have expressed support for the sanctions.
The coup has also triggered concern among foreign powers, with the United States evacuating some embassy staff and France and Italy evacuating their citizens from Niger.
Despite the mounting pressure, the junta remains resolute, leading to tensions in the region.
Abdourahamane Tiani said,
“The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
“There is a need to demonstrate that we cannot only bark but can bite,” he told reporters earlier on Wednesday, as regional defense chiefs started a two-day meeting in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
“The task of restoring democratic governance in Niger is fraught with potential hurdles and complications,” said General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence and Chairman of the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs.
“Our decisions will send a strong message about our commitment to democracy, our intolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, and our dedication to regional stability.”
The Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and incumbent President of the ECOWAS Committee of Chief of Defence Staff (CCDS), General Christopher Musa, while speaking at the opening ceremony observed that the task of restoring democratic governance in The public of Niger “is fraught with potential hurdles and complications.”
According to General Musa,
“It is incumbent upon us to deliberate on this issue, the task of restoring democratic governance in Niger is fraught with potential hurdles and complications. However, we cannot afford to be hamstrung by these challenges. Instead, we must confront them head-on, drawing upon our shared experiences, wisdom, and the strength of our collective resolve”.
