Eleven out of the 16 leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened in Abuja for an emergency meeting to address the recent military coup in Niger Republic.
During the meeting, the heads of state and government will discuss the unfolding situation in Niger Republic, with a focus on determining the subsequent steps following the resolutions and ultimatum issued to the Nigerien junta. The junta had ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The discussions will take place behind closed doors.
Among the attending leaders are ECOWAS Chairman and Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu; President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone; President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau; and President Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
Also present are President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, and Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo. The Gambia and Liberia have sent their Foreign Affairs Ministers to represent them at the meeting.
Notably absent from the gathering are the leaders of Niger Republic, Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso, countries currently grappling with their own internal challenges.
PHOTO CREDIT: Legit.ng