ECOWAS delivers ultimatum to rebels in Niger

West African defense chiefs have drawn up a plan for military action if Niger’s coup is not overturned by August 6, the regional bloc said, after mediation failed in a crisis that threatens regional security and has drawn in global powers, Report informs referring to Reuters.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Niger’s coup leaders until August 6 to step down and reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The bloc has taken a hard stance on last week’s takeover, the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020.

Given its uranium and oil riches and pivotal role in the war with Islamist rebels in the Sahel region, Niger has strategic significance for the US, China, Europe and Russia.

ECOWAS has already imposed sanctions on Niger and sent a delegation to its capital Niamey on Thursday seeking an "amicable resolution". But a source in the entourage said that they were rebuffed and did not stay long.