ECOWAS releases its final statement on the political situation in Niger.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government met in an extraordinary session on July 30, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Summit discussed the most recent political developments in the Republic of Niger following the July 26, 2023 coup d'état under the chairmanship of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority.

Heads of State and Government from a number of ECOWAS members, including Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Cabo Verde, as well as authorised representatives, attended the summit. Representatives from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Niger government of President Bazoum were also present.

Also present were senior officials from the African Union Commission, the United Nations, UNOWAS, and the UEMOA Commission.

The attempted subversion of the Constitutional order by members of the Presidential Guard, which resulted in the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and other government officials, was a major topic of discussion during the summit.

The Authority recognised and commended H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Authority Chair, for taking prompt action to address the crisis by issuing statements and communiqués and holding talks with regional, continental, and worldwide leaders.

The ECOWAS Summit responded to the events in Niger by:

Reaffirmed by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the world community as the legitimately elected Head of State of the Republic of Niger, President Mohamed Bazoum. Only formal actions taken by President Bazoum or his duly authorised representatives will be accepted by ECOWAS.

strongly denounced the effort to topple the constitution and the unlawful incarceration of President Mohamed Bazoum, calling for his immediate release and reassignment to his position as Niger's head of state.

as stated in the ECOWAS and African Union Protocols and other pertinent documents, expressed zero tolerance for any unlawful change of administration.

rejected any alleged resignation from President Mohamed Bazoum and treated his incarceration as a hostage scenario, blaming the coup's masterminds for his safety as well as the safety of his family and other government officials.

The ECOWAS Summit emphasised the significance of reestablishing Niger's constitutional order and urged cooperation between its member nations to avoid any additional political unrest in the area.

The Authority promised to collaborate closely with the African Union, the UN, and other international partners to assist Niger in reestablishing stability and democratic governance in the nation. The Authority is still dedicated to peaceful resolution.

At the summit's conclusion, participants pledged to resolutely oppose any dangers to the ECOWAS region's democracy and rule of law.