The Federal Government said the use of force would be the last resort should the coup plotters in Niger Republic refuse to surrender.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, stated this on Friday at a briefing session on the current political situation in Niger Republic and the ECOWAS sub-region, organised by the ministry for the diplomatic corps.
On July 26, 2023, the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was illegally detained by the military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
On July 30, 2023, ECOWAS, led by its Chairman and Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, decided on sanctions against the coupists in Niger who toppled Bazoum last week.
In addition to a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and the suspension of financial transactions with Niger, ECOWAS decreed the freezing of “all service transactions, including energy transactions.”
ECOWAS on Thursday sent a three-man delegation to Niger to resolve the current impasse in the country.
Speaking at the event, Lamuwa expressed worries that should the coup subsist, it might stain ECOWAS’ reputation.
He explained,
“No doubt, the developments in Niger, like Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea have raised serious concerns about regional stability and democratic principles in the region.
“There is concern that the success of the coup in Niger would significantly dampen ECOWAS’ reputation, especially if the country joins the ranks of others that are governed by unconstitutional leaders, such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.”
He however noted that the “use of force is the last resort and we hope we do not get there.”