West African leaders led by Nigeria have threatened to take military action against the new junta in Niger if it does not restore the democratic government toppled in last week’s coup within seven days.
A statement following an emergency meeting of the heads of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, capital of regional heavyweight Nigeria, said: “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week we will take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.”
The Abuja meeting took place as thousands of pro-coup demonstrators surrounded the French embassy in Niamey, Niger’s capital, chanting anti-French and pro-Russian slogans. Some demonstrators ripped off the embassy plaque, according to eyewitnesses, and replaced it with a Russian and Nigerien flag.