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Italy on ECOWAS ultimatum for Niger: Deadline must be extended

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
7 Aug 2023 13:13

Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani said there is no way that war is the only viable solution.

Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani. (AFP)

Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani urged on Monday for an extension of the deadline set by the West African bloc ECOWAS for Niger's military junta to reinstate President Mohamad Bazoum or face the potential military intervention.

"The only path is a diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today," Antonio Tajani told La Stampa newspaper.

"A solution must be found -- it's not set that there is no way other than war."

The political crisis in Niger took a sharp turn on July 26, when the presidential guard detained President Bazoum, leading to the subsequent declaration of interim leadership by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also assumed the presidency of the caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.

In response to the coup, ECOWAS swiftly condemned the action and suspended financial aid to the country. Furthermore, they issued an ultimatum giving Niger's coup leaders one week to reinstate the detained president.

The ECOWAS military chiefs met to discuss options for military intervention in Niger. The goal of the meeting was to outline a plan for the intervention, its strategy, logistical aspects, and timetable.

Failure to comply could result in ECOWAS resorting to "all measures," including military intervention, to restore order in the African nation. Several European countries have followed suit, suspending aid to Niger and evacuating their citizens.

ECOWAS has resorted to implementing a full pressure campaign on the country, which included the closure of land and air borders between the bloc's countries and Niger, the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions with it, and the freezing of the country's assets in ECOWAS Central Banks.

The bloc also suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze the assets of the coup leaders, their families, and supporters, and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country.

Despite the ultimatum deadline set by ECOWAS, thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets in the capital, Niamey, on Sunday, to show their support for the rebel military.

Correspondingly, military leaders in Niger have warned against any armed intervention in their country, stressing that they will "resolutely defend their homeland."

The interim governments of Mali and Burkina Faso warned that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.

The demonstrators displayed unwavering support for the rebel commander while waving both Nigerien and Russian national flags. The fervent show of solidarity demonstrated that the crowds were undeterred by the impending deadline.