African leaders have resolved to end forceful takeover of government in the continent by its ultimatum to coup plotters in the Niger Republic to retrace their steps or face military action.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave a seven-day ultimatum to them to reinstate deposed President Mohammed Bazoum or face stiff sanctions.
The African Union (AU) also gave the Nigerien military authorities a 15-day ultimatum to vacate power and allow democracy to thrive.
Other measures being considered by AU and ECOWAS include closure of land and air borders by neighbouring countries, suspension of commercial flights, cancellation of commercial and financial transactions and assistance, and freezing of the country’s assets and bank accounts.
The measures also include a travel ban on military officers and their families and a military attack against coup plotters.
The authority of heads of state and government of the ECOWAS issued the ultimatum during its resolutions at the end of its extraordinary summit, held at the presidential villa in Abuja on Sunday.
It resolved to direct critical institutions to suspend dealing with the country until constitutional order is restored.
ECOWAS summoned an emergency meeting of chiefs of defense staff of member nations to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation.
