As the political crisis in Niger unfolds, Italy has made a plea to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend the deadline for reinstating ousted President Mohammed Bazoum. Concerns of potential military intervention arose as the initial ECOWAS deadline expired. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution in a recent Reuters report.
Tajani’s statement, released on Monday, August 07, 2023, urged the extension of ECOWAS’ ultimatum, which lapsed at midnight the previous day. “The only way is the 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,” Tajani stated to La Stampa newspaper.
The situation escalated when Niger closed its airspace on Sunday, August 06, 2023, amidst concerns of a possible military intervention by the West African regional bloc in response to the coup that ousted President Bazoum. With President Bazoum still in detention, the political landscape remains uncertain, and the rejection of the deadline by coup leaders complicates the resolution process, leaving ECOWAS with limited options.
The aftermath of the July 26 power shift witnessed junta supporters rallying in Niamey, voicing their support for not yielding to external pressure to step down by ECOWAS’ deadline. This gathering highlighted the deep divisions within the country over the legitimacy of the current leadership.