Italy has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend its deadline for the reinstatement of Niger’s deposed president.
As per NAN, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani provided the suggestion 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 informed La Stampa newspaper.
Niger shut its airspace on Sunday until further notice over the reported threat of military intervention from the West African regional bloc.
The threat was reported after coup leaders rejected a deadline to restore the country’s deposed president Mohammed Bazoum who is still under detention.
Previously, thousands of junta supporters gathered at a stadium in Niamey, the capital, celebrating the decision not to yield to external pressure to step down by Sunday following the July 26 power seizure.
