ECOWAS gives the Niger Junta one week to hand over power, threatens force, and imposes sanctions

The ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff will meet promptly to decide on the next course of action.

West African leaders handed Niger’s military junta one week to hand up control, warning that “use of force” would not be ruled out, and imposing immediate financial sanctions.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a group of 15 African countries, has urged the “immediate release and reinstatement” of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained by the military since Wednesday.

“If the demands of the authorities are not met within one week, (ECOWAS will) take all necessary measures to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.” Such measures could involve the usage of