Suspected Coup Attempt: ECOWAS Talks Tough, ‘Development In Niger Republic Unacceptable’

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reacted to the suspected coup attempt and detainment of Niger President, Mohamed Bazoum by members of the Presidential Guard.

Chairman of ECOWAS cum Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu who spoke in a swift reaction, described the unfolding development in Niger as “unacceptable.”

“All players in the Republic of Niger, the leadership of the ECOWAS Region, and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country,” Tinubu said.

The country’s army, it was gathered has given an ultimatum to members of the presidential guard to release the president.

Earlier on Wednesday, disgruntled members of the guard sealed off access to the President’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down “refused to release the President.”

Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021, taking the helm of one of Africa’s poorest and most coup-prone countries.

Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted, and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” Tinubu said.

Kanyi Daily recalls that about two weeks ago, Tinubu, who took over the leadership of the 15-member regional body, said Africa will not allow coups that happened in the past to reoccur anymore in the continent.

Tinubu also said the African continent will continue to promote democracy and the rule of law.