The leader of the recent military coup in Niger expressed strong disapproval of the sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, referring to them as “illegal, unjust, and inhumane.”
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani firmly stated that his government would not yield to any regional or international pressure to reinstate Niger’s elected President, Mohammed Bazoum.
During a televised address, Gen Tchiani also assured French nationals that they have nothing to fear in Niger. This comes after the French embassy in Niamey faced an attack from demonstrators, leading to the evacuation of nearly 1,000 people, including 560 French citizens.
In response to the situation, the US State Department announced a partial evacuation of its embassy, urging non-essential staff and their families to leave Niger.
In an attempt to mediate with the coup leaders, an Ecowas delegation led by Nigeria’s former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, is in Niamey.
Simultaneously, West African military chiefs are holding meetings in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Nigeria’s military defense spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, emphasized that the military solution would be the last resort.
Their military plan is scheduled to be presented on Friday to Ecowas heads of state, who will then decide on the bloc’s next steps concerning Niger.
