Confusion in Niger as coup leaders caution against ECOWAS military intervention, U.S. support

There is emerging confusion over the coup situation in Niger Republic as the coup leaders cautioned against any military action by ECOWAS leaders. This is coming at the United State (U.S.) gave support to the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government to

ECOWAS leaders at emergency summit

defend constitutional order in Niger, restore the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and enforce the ECOWAS and African Union principles of “zero tolerance for unconstitutional change.”

“We join ECOWAS and regional leaders in calling for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family and the restoration of all state functions to the legitimate, democratically-elected government.

“The United States further welcomes the dispatch of the special representative of the ECOWAS Chair to Niger and urges all parties to work with ECOWAS for a peaceful and expeditious resolution of the current situation.

“The United States will remain actively engaged with ECOWAS and West African leaders on next steps to preserve Niger’s hard-earned democracy,” U.S. authorities had declared.

Meanwhile, the coup leaders and the new transistion government in Niger had issued ultimatum to all ministers and directors that served in the Bazoum administration to return official/service vehicles in their possession to the ministries they served not beyond 11.00am on Monday.

According to a statement by the military authorities:
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“CNSP calls on all former Ministers and Directors, to return to various Ministries and institutions, their official/service vehicles at the latest tomorrow Monday at 11 am…”

The Niger military leaders also cautioned ECOWAS against military intervention in the country. They maintained that the sovereignty of Niger Republic must be respected by all ECOWAS member states or foreign allies.