THE Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) bloc decided today to suspend all ties with Niger and to authorise the use of force if ousted president Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.

This came as thousands of supporters of the military group that seized power in a coup earlier this week marched through the streets of the country’s capital, Niamey.

The protesters marched through the city to the French embassy, where a door was set on fire, according to an eyewitness.
The Nigerien army broke up the crowd of the protesters.

France, the former colonial power, still has 1,500 soldiers in the country who have conducted joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation’s troops.

Some protesters today also waved Russian flags and chanted the name of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders of the coup said that they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago, because he wasn’t able to protect the nation from growing jihadist violence. 

But there is speculation that Mr Bazoum wanted to replace the head of the presidential guard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also goes by the name Omar and now appears to be in charge of the country. 

Some taking part in Sunday’s demonstration also warned regional bodies who have denounced the coup to stay away. 

“I would also like to say to the European Union, African Union and Ecowas, please please stay out of our business,” said Oumar Barou Moussa, who was at the demonstration.

“It’s time for us to work for ourselves. It’s time for us to talk about our freedom and liberty. We need to stay together, we need to work together, we need to have our true independence,” he said.

In a televised address on Saturday, Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted President Bazoum, said Niger would defend itself against any aggression from outside forces including Ecowas. 

But at an emergency meeting on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria, the west African bloc demanded the reinstatement of Mr Bazoum. 

Ecowas Commission president Omar Alieu Touray said: “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week,” all measures necessary would be taken to restore constitutional order in Niger. 

He said: “Such measures may include the use of force. To this effect, the chiefs of defence staff of Ecowas are to meet immediately.”