Niger’s new Prime Minister Lamine Zeine has described the sanctions imposed on the military junta as an “unfair challenge,” but said the country would overcome them.
Zeine, who was appointed by the junta a week ago, said Monday that Niger was interested in economic cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Recall that on July 26, Niger’s military ousted democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The military suspended the constitution and appointed a transitional government.
Shortly afterwards, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the new military junta and demanded an immediate return to constitutional order.
It also activated a standby force for a possible military intervention in Niger.
On Sunday, the junta signalled its willingness to negotiate with ECOWAS after a visit by a Nigerian mediation group of Islamic clerics.
Zeine also expressed confidence about possible negotiations with ECOWAS and neighbouring Nigeria, which had led the crackdown on Niger’s rulers.
Also Read:
- Police speak on probe of reported missing 3,907 firearms
- Edo 2024: APC calls four witnesses, some admit over-voting
- PDP NWC dumps Anyanwu for Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary
- Tripping: TCN restores Omotosho-Ikeja West transmission line
- Girls Just Want to Run: Engendering women, youth participation in politics, by Michael Olatunbosun
“We have a great interest in preserving this important and historic relationship,” Zeine said, stressing the original background of ECOWAS as an economic group to increase prosperity in West Africa.
“If, however, we find that instead of this economic solidarity, the political and military principle comes to the fore, we can only regret that” Zeine added.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
