Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have converged in Abuja for a second emergency summit to discuss the crisis in Niger Republic.
The meeting which was declared opened by the Chairman of ECOWAS and chair of the meeting, President Bola Tinubu, has many West African leaders present in Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital, on Thursday.
In the open session, Tinubu said the coup in neighbouring Niger has far-reaching effects on democratically constituted governments in the sub-region.
The meeting entered a closed-door session, shortlt after his remarks.
There are indications that the leaders will decide on the next lines of action after the Military Junta defiled the deadline given to restore democratic governance in that member country.
The US and UN have also expressed concerned about the health and safety of Niger’s elected President Mohamed Bazoum, in the custody of the defiant military in the country. Bazoum has spent more than two weeks under house arrest.
A US state department spokesman said they were greatly worried about his health and his personal safety, including the personal safety of his family.
The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres sharing the same concern, lamented about the “deplorable living conditions” the ousted President and his family were in.
Recall that the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had earlier called Bazoum and assured him of the US’s ongoing support
Meanwhile, the junta, has enjoyed massive support from thousands of Nigeriens since it seized power from President Mohammed Bazoum.
It also received support from fellow military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso, who paid a solidarity visit to the military leadership in Niamey.
ECOWAS had condemned the action, imposing severe economic and travel sanctions, including cutting off Niger’s power supply.
In response, Niger’s coup leaders closed the country’s airspace after rejecting ECOWAS’ ultimatum to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum or risk military intervention.
Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the CNSP, cited the threat of military intervention from ECOWAS for the airspace closure.
“In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday … for all aircraft until further notice,” he said.
“Niger’s armed forces and all our defence and security forces, backed by the unfailing support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory,” Abdramane stated on national television.
