The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed a no-flight zone over the Niger Republic as a swift response to the military coup.
The ECOWAS made the announcement today after convening an emergency meeting in response to the mounting tension caused by the military actors attempting to seize power in Niger.
This major action, which includes closing the air and land borders, is seen as a necessary response to the junta’s recent ascent, which has caused significant unrest in the nation and threatens regional political stability.
The ECOWAS leadership believes that the imposition of a no-flight zone will help curb the junta’s influence and hinder any potential allies from providing aerial support, even as leaders of the coup fear that the regional body could stage an imminent military intervention in the capital of the Sahel country.
In addition to the no-flight zone, the regional body has agreed on immediate financial sanctions over the coup, and has given the junta a week to cede power, while noting that a use of force has not been ruled out.
ECOWAS also insisted that President Mohamed Bazoum remains recognized as president of Niger, and called upon member states and the international community to uphold and respect these decision, in an effort to help restore peace and stability in the republic.