A team of ECOWAS, UN and AU Heads are expected in Niger to continue diplomatic discussions in a bid to persuade the military to give up power and restore constitutional order.
ECOWAS had set a deadline of Sunday for the junta to give up power – or face possible military action. Although the junta has defied the ultimatum, Ecowas did not respond by immediately sending troops.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu who gave the ultimatum has faced a huge backlash at home over this threat with local media reporting strong opposition to the military intervention at a session of the upper chamber of parliament.
Some question whether a seven-day deadline was realistic given that Nigeria and other countries have to get parliamentary approval before deploying the military. Many people are also appalled that electricity to Niger was cut on President Tinubu’s orders, causing blackouts in Niger’s capital, Niamey, and other cities.
Speaking on an Accra based Joyfm, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Amb. Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah said using military force will be the last resort.
