Niger: ECOWAS Leaders Meet As Seven-Day Ultimatum Ends

President Bola Tinubu could potentially convene a second meeting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders in the coming days, following the expiration of the one-week ultimatum issued to the military junta in Niger Republic at midnight on Sunday.

A source close to the presidency revealed that Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, might call for another meeting to make final decisions on the resolutions reached during the June 30 gathering in Abuja.

The anonymous source mentioned that a subsequent meeting would be held in Abuja to determine the next course of action, though no specific date has been set for this crucial gathering.

Amos Lungu, the spokesperson for ECOWAS, was unavailable for comment as of Sunday.

Last week, ECOWAS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta in Niger Republic led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, demanding the restoration of ousted President Muhammed Bazoum to his position.

Following an extraordinary session overseen by Tinubu, Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced that all Chiefs of Defence Staff from member states would convene for an emergency meeting to devise effective strategies for a potential military operation aimed at reinstating Bazoum.

After concluding their meeting, the Defence Chiefs finalized an intervention plan, urging their respective militaries to prepare for a possible military engagement in Niger.

A day before, Tinubu dispatched a three-member delegation to Niger Republic with the mandate to urgently address the ongoing political impasse.

On Saturday, the Nigerian Senate advised the President to explore dialogue options beyond the use of force to restore democracy in Niger, highlighting the existing amicable relationship between Nigeriens and Nigerians.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, President Tinubu held discussions with governors from states that share borders with Niger Republic.

Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, confirmed the meeting via a Twitter post, stating, “President @officialABAT on Sunday evening met with governors of states that share boundaries with Niger Republic at the State House in Abuja. The meeting was part of wider consultations by the President on the situation in Niger. Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Katsina, and Jigawa governors.”

Amidst the tension surrounding the ECOWAS ultimatum, the Niger junta declared the closure of the country’s airspace until further notice, citing concerns about potential military intervention from ECOWAS.

Thousands of supporters of the Niger military leaders gathered at a stadium on Sunday to express solidarity with the coup plotters. At the Seyni Kountche stadium, CNSP leaders greeted an enthusiastic crowd, showing no indication of relinquishing power.

These events unfolded less than 24 hours after the junta sought assistance from the Russian mercenary group Wagner, amid the looming deadline for the release of the ousted president or possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc.