THE Authority of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) rose from an extraordinary meeting in Abuja Sunday, with heavy sanctions on the new military rulers in the Republic of Niger.
The sanctions, which are intended to force the military rulers to restore ousted president Mohammed Bazoum to office, will, however, have far-reaching economic implications for the people of the country.
Among sanctions announced after the meeting in Abuja includes the closure of all land and air borders between Niger and its neighbours.
The ECOWAS leaders also declared a no-fly zone against Niger while giving the Military leaders a seven-day ultimatum to vacate office of fave a joint military action.
To this end, the ECOWAS leaders have ordered an immediate convocation of a meeting of Chiefs of Defence Staff in the region to begin preparations to invade Niger.
The ECOWAS leaders also vow never to recognise the Nigerien military rulers declaring that they are not welcome at any gathering of the region.
See the attached communique from the meeting for details of the sanctions:
