Niger: West Africa leaders to decide next step as deadline approaches
By Babagana Jidda Kanempress
5th August 2023
As Kanempress learned that Sunday is a week ultimatum set by West African leaders for the military in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.
Both sides have crucial decisions to make.
The regional bloc Ecowas, chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had previous Sunday evening, ordered the junta within a week, to restore constitutional order or face the possible use of force.
Sanctions had been imposed on the coup leaders and electricity supplies cut off from Nigeria alongside closed borders.
Foreign analysts, who have been monitoring the diplomatic, political, and military events and likely consequences of what could happen as the deadline passes.
In view of some analysts, the regional bloc, Ecowas, chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu may choose to extend the deadline given to the military junta in Niger.
Although, some experts oppose such step, arguing that there is risk in extending deadline since Ecowas mediation efforts did not yield any success.
Other analysts on the other side, believed that both ECOWAS and the military junta in Niger must agree on a feasible timetable for a transition to democratic rule.
The step by step stages should include the release of President Bazoum, and other political detainees.
