The military regime in Niger Republic has shown defiance towards the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the resolution reached at the recent Abuja Summit on Thursday. The summit had outlined plans to deploy troops to Niger with the objective of confronting the military regime and reinstating ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

Allegedly, the military regime went so far as to issue a grave threat to assassinate President Bazoum in response to ECOWAS’ decision to deploy troops into the country. Anonymous “Western officials” revealed this threat, indicating that the putschists communicated their intentions to a senior U.S. diplomat.

These revelations emerged during a visit by U.S. Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, to the country. A Western military source, preferring to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation, disclosed that junta representatives conveyed the threat to Nuland.

Following discussions among leaders from nine out of the 15 ECOWAS member states during the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the sub-regional body, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the decision to deploy a standby force from the community. He emphasized that necessary financial arrangements had been addressed, and steps had been taken to ensure the implementation of this decision.

Touray underlined that the action was not a confrontation between countries but rather a concerted effort in line with the community’s shared principles and agreements. He highlighted the existence of established instruments to which all member states have subscribed.

The situation remains fluid as the military regime’s defiance escalates tensions within the region, while ECOWAS maintains its commitment to restore democratic order in Niger Republic.