The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the alleged coup mastermind in Niger Republic, seven days to relinquish power to Mohammed Bazoom.

The decision was part of the resolutions taken during the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government’s emergency meeting on Sunday in Abuja.

Other resolutions adopted at the meeting’s conclusion included a firm warning that if the suspected coup plotters do not restore political stability within seven days, ECOWAS may resort to force.

ECOWAS had also instructed that member states’ chiefs of defense meet immediately.

The leaders have ordered the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS members and Niger, according to Omar Alieu-Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who read out the resolutions.

Other immediate restrictions imposed by ECOWAS include a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.

He also announced the suspension of all commercial and financial activities between ECOWAS Member States and Niger, including the freezing of all service transactions, including those involving energy, as well as the freezing of the Republic of Niger’s assets in ECOWAS Central Banks.

The following heads of state and government, as well as designated representatives, attended the summit: His Excellency, President Patrice Talon of the Republic of Benin, and President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire. President of the Republic of the Gambia, Adama Barrow. Nana Akufo-Addo Dankwa President of the Republic of Ghana, Akufo Addo.

General Omar Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, is another. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, and President of the Republic of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé. President of the Republic of Cape Verde’s representative, President of the Republic of Liberia’s representative, President Bazoom, President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger’s representative, President Julius Maada’s representative President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Wonie Bio.

Others include Omar Al Turia, President of ECOWAS, Musa Faki, Muhammad, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Leonardo Santos Simo, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, and Mr. Job, President of the UMR Commission.

The policy of zero tolerance for unlawful change of administration, as embodied in ECOWAS and African Union protocols and other instruments, according to Touray, remains in force.

“ECOWAS resolve as follows,” he said.

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“First, His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoom remains the Republic of Niger’s legitimate, elected president and head of state, as recognized by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community.”

“In this regard, ECOWAS will recognize only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly mandated officials.”

“Condemn the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, as well as the illegal detention of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, President and Head of State of Niger, as well as members of his family and government, in the strongest terms.”

“Call for President Mohammed Bazoum’s immediate release and reinstatement as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, as well as the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Nigeria.”

“Reject any resignation purportedly offered by His Excellency, President Mohammed Bazoum.”

“Consider President Mohammed Bazoum’s illegal detention as a hostage situation, and hold the perpetrators of the attempted coup solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohammed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.”

“If the authorities’ requests are not met within a week. Take all necessary steps to reestablish constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Force may be used as part of such actions. To that end, the ECOWAS chiefs of defense staff will convene immediately.

“Hold accountable all those responsible for acts of violence and terror against the lives and property of innocent Niger citizens and residents.”

“Condemned foreign governments’ and foreign private military contractors’ declarations of support.” Express our gratitude to the various countries and partners for their support for ECOWAS.

“Appoint and dispatch a special representative of the authority’s chair to Niger immediately to deliver the authority’s demands.”

“In the meantime, the following measures are to be implemented immediately.”

“Closure of ECOWAS countries’ land and air borders with Niger.”

“ECOWAS institution, no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.” All economic and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger have been halted.

” Freeze all service transactions, including those involving energy.” Freeze the Republic of Niger’s assets in ECOWAS Central Banks. Assets of the Niger State, as well as state corporations and parastatals, have been frozen in commercial banks.

“Suspension of all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, including EBID and BAORD.”

“Calls on WAHU and all other regional bodies to put this decision into action.”

“Impose a travel ban and freeze the assets of military officials involved in the coup attempt.” The same is true for their family members and civilians who accept transactions in any organizations or governments set up by these military officers.

“Express gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the way he has conducted community affairs since his election as chair of the ECOWAS authority.”