Niger: Italy seeks extension of ECOWAS’ deadline

By babagana jidda kanempress

7 august 2023

Italy has called on the Economic Community of West African States to prolong the timeframe for the reinstallation of the deposed Nigerien president.

This is according to
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States, which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani said in an interview.

Due to concerns of potential military involvement from the West African regional group, Niger had temporarily shut down its airspace on Sunday.

Coup leaders in Niger had failed to meet the deadline for restoring President Mohammed Bazoum, who remains detained.

Supporters of the military junta had gathered at a stadium in Niamey, the capital, showing their approval of the decision to resist external demands for stepping down by Sunday, subsequent to the seizure of power on July 26th.