ECOWAS nations to meet in Nigeria over Niger

Dakar [Senegal], August 8: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans to meet in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Thursday to discuss how to deal with Niger, which was taken over by a military junta on July 26, an ECOWAS spokesman told DPA on Monday.
The 15-member group had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the new rulers, who took power in a coup. That ultimatim, which called on the new junta to reinstate Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, expired on Sunday. The group said it would take measures that could include violence if Bazoum was not restored to power.
Prime ministers are to meet in Abjua, ECOWAS spokesman Amos Lungu confirmed to DPA. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is the current chairman of ECOWAS.
Mali and Burkina Faso have been suspended from ECOWAS after their governments were also taken over in coups. The two countries, which share borders with Niger, have sided with the Niger's new military rulers and threatened to consider any intervention in Niger as a "declaration of war." Bazoum was arrested, declared deposed and replaced by coup leader General AbdourahamaneTchiani, who suspended the constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.
Meanwhile, Niger's coup leaders have closed the country's airspace until further notice, citing the threat of military intervention from their neighbours. It comes after the ECOWAS group of West African states demanded President Mohamed Bazoum be reinstated by Sunday.
ECOWAS had warned that the junta could face military action and will now meet on Thursday to discuss next steps.
Meanwhile Mali and Burkina Faso, both also ruled by juntas, said they would send officials to Niger in solidarity.
Flightradar24 showed a transport plane had flown from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, and landed in Niger hours after airspace was closed.
The growing instability in the region compelled former colonial power France on Monday to warn its citizens against travelling to the Sahel region, and for those still there to be cautious due to anti-France sentiment.
"It is essential to limit travel, to stay away from any gatherings and to keep themselves regularly informed of the situation," read a statement from the foreign ministry.
The junta in Niger on Sunday said it had information that "a foreign power" was preparing to attack the country, after military chiefs from ECOWASdrew up a detailed plan for use of force.
Source: Qatar Tribune