“Significant decisions” expected at the ECOWAS Summit on Niger
Leaders of West African countries opposed to the coup in Niger will meet on Thursday in Abuja for a crucial summit, following the failure of their ultimatum to the military who took power. The UN chief expresses “great concern” over the detention conditions of President Bazoum. Follow the situation hour by hour.
UN chief “very concerned” about detention conditions of President Bazoum
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed on Wednesday “great concern” about the detention conditions of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and demanded his release. Antonio Guterres denounced “the deplorable conditions in which President Bazoum and his family are said to be living,” the UN said in a statement. crucial summit of ECOWAS after failed ultimatum to coup plotters
Leaders of West African countries opposed to the coup in Niger will meet on Thursday, August 10th in Abuja for a crucial summit, following the failure of their ultimatum to the military who took power.
“Important decisions” are expected at this summit, warned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, which reiterated its preference for diplomatic means to restore constitutional order in Niger, while maintaining its threat of resorting to force.
ECOWAS, through the voice of Nigeria, which holds the rotating presidency of the organization, spoke for the first time since the expiration on Sunday evening of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the military to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to his functions. So far, the new rulers of Niger have appeared closed to ECOWAS’ attempts at negotiation. This raises fears that Thursday’s summit will materialize the threat of military intervention, which is both feared and criticized in the region.
Highlights of August 9th:
Paris strongly denied on Wednesday the accusations of the military regime in Niger, according to which France violated the country’s airspace and “liberated terrorists.”
Meanwhile, the son of the ambassador of this West African country in France was arrested in Niamey on Wednesday.
Reuters.
