Niger coupists reaffirm exit from ECOWAS, prolonged detention of Bazoum
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the military junta in Niger Republic, has vowed that none of the Sahel countries will attempt to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and his government will not release deposed president, Mohammed Bazoum, who was captured after the coup on July 26, 2023.
On January 27, 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger made the decision to exit ECOWAS, despite ongoing efforts for reconciliation between the nations.
The foreign ministers of these countries proposed forming a confederation as a step towards achieving their long-term goal of uniting the West African neighbours under a federation.
Gen. Tchiani reaffirmed these positions in an interview with the RTN news channel in Niamey, the capital city.
READ ALSO: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger exit ECOWAS
In his words, “Just because we are members of the bloc, food and medicine supplies were cut off. Power was also cut off, and our funds have been frozen. So, we consulted our friends in the Sahel on exiting the bloc to better the lives of our citizens.
“That we should withdraw from the bloc that is answerable to the foreign countries. So, we have withdrawn our membership from the bloc and would never return to the union.”
Speaking further, he stated that the country is not worried about the consequences that may arise in terms of security, trade, and socio-economic activities following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
“Now that the world is a global village, is the world within ECOWAS? So, God will feed every human He created.
“We would never release Bazoum. Setting Bazoum free is akin to stabbing ourselves in the stomach which would do harm to Nigeriens,” he added.
