Niger Suspended from ECOWAS
Niger has been suspended from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Commission has announced.
Their suspension took effect on December 10, 2023, during the 64th Ordinary Session of the Heads of States.
In a press statement, the commission clarified that until their last session, the government of Mohamed BAZOUM who was ousted from office by his guards five months ago was still recognized.
“Until the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government which took place on 10 December 2023, the Authority of the Heads of State and Government considered the situation in the Republic of Niger as an attempted coup, and H.E. Mohamed BAZOUM as the President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger.”
“That position meant that Niger was not suspended from ECOWAS decision-making bodies and that members of BAZOUM’s government could represent.”
However, his removal from office was officially admitted on December 10
“Therefore, from 10 December 2023, Niger stands suspended from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS until the restoration of constitutional order in the country,” it announced.
President BAZOUM was overthrown on July 26, 2023, by members of his own presidential guard led by Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane.
Ultimatums for the President to be reinstated by ECOWAS and the West fell on deaf ears.
