Italy urges ECOWAS to extend Niger deadline for reinstating Bazoum

Italy has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend its deadline for the restoration of Niger’s ousted president.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said diplomacy is the only viable approach in an interview published on Monday.

“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani told La Stampa newspaper.

Italy cut the size of its troops in Niger on Sunday to make space for civilians seeking refuge.

Ecowas’ deadline for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum expired Sunday. The bloc has threatened military action.

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Italy’s call came as Niger has shut down its airspace indefinitely, citing concerns over potential military intervention from the West African regional body. The military coup leaders had rejected a deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

In Niamey, the capital, thousands of junta supporters gathered at a stadium, celebrating the decision to resist external pressure to step down by the stipulated Sunday deadline following the coup on July 26.

This latest coup marks the seventh in West and Central Africa over the past three years, significantly destabilizing the Sahel region, which is already one of the world’s most economically challenged areas.

As tensions mount, defense chiefs within the ECOWAS bloc have outlined a potential military action plan, defining potential scenarios and conditions for intervention if detained President Mohamed Bazoum is not released and reinstated by the stated deadline.