ECOWAS gives military junta 7 days ultimatum to release, reinstate President Bazoum
The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of States has requested for the release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger.
Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy disclosed this on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
In a press release after the meeting of the ECOWAS leaders in Abuja, Dr Omar Touray said that the entire ECOWAS leaders rejected any form of purported resignation by President Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.
Speaking further, he revealed that all financial assets belonging to the Republic of Niger in the custody of ECOWAS will be frozen in short time. He continued that the Republic will also be banned from transacting with any State under ECOWAS.
“Additionally, travel bans and assets freezes were imposed on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as their family members and civilians who accept to participate in any institution or government established by these military officials,” the statement reads.
Soldiers detain Nigerien President Bazoum, declare coup on national TV
It added, ‘‘As we come close to this Extraordinary Summit on the socio- political situation in the Republic of Niger, I send my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active engagement in our open and closed door meeting.
‘‘Your invaluable contributions to our discussions have got us this far and hopefully, we will achieve our objective.
‘‘The essence of African unity and solidarity is hereby reaffirmed. Our unwavering commitment to democracy, peace and prosperity is hereby resolved.
‘‘Throughout our deliberations, we have recognized that the challenges faced by Niger are inter connected with broader issues affecting our region.
‘‘As African leaders, it is our shared responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours, and working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always consistently, be our goals and consistently.
‘‘We will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun. Africa has come of age.
‘‘We reject coup and interruption to constitutional order. Thank you for coming.”
Before the Summit, the President also held bilateral meetings with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau, President Mahmat Iddris Deby Itno of Chad, and Michael Health, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of African Affairs.
Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo attended the Summit while the Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.
