Hours after the elapse of deadline for the Military Juncta in Niger to hand over to the democratically elected government, Italy and Germany on Monday for an extension of a West African deadline for Niger’s coup leaders.
The Economic Community of West Africa ECOWAS had ordered the coup leaders to reinstate democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum or face possible military action.
Speaking on the issue, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told La Stampa newspaper The only path is a diplomatic one.”
He said, “I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today.”
“A solution must be found. It’s not set that there is no way other than war.”
In the same vein, Germany’s foreign ministry urged for a diplomatic solution saying we support ECOWAS in its mediation efforts, which are still ongoing.”
Addressing newsmen on the matter a ministry spokesman said the expiry of the bloc’s deadline did not mean there would automatically be military action.
“We hope that these (mediation) efforts will ultimately lead to success and that constitutional order will be restored in Niger.”
Recall Bazoum was overthrown on July 26 when members of his own guard detained him at the presidency.
Following the development, ECOWAS issued its ultimatum a week ago, demanding the generals relinquish power by midnight Sunday (2300 GMT), an order which the leadership of the Juncta is yet to obey.