ECOWAS: 8 sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, coup leaders and families

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed stiff sanctions on the Niger Republic following the military take-over of the civilian government.

Amongst them is the closure of land and air borders between member states and the Niger Republic.

Recall in a statement, the Authority of Heads of State and Governments of ECOWAS, earlier on Sunday, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military in Niger Republic to restore ousted President Muhammed Bazoum to office.

Shortly after issuing the ultimatum, the ECOWAS imposed stiff restrictions to ensure its orders were obeyed.

The West African regional body ordered the freezing of all Niger Republic enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks in all ECOWAS member states.

The statement partly reads: "ECOWAS imposes stiff restrictions, directs the following measures to take immediate effect on Niger Republic.

1) Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS and Niger.

2) Institution of ECOWAS no flight zone to all commercial flights to and fro Niger.

3) Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger.

4) Freeze all service transactions including energy transactions.

5) Freeze assets of Niger Republic in all ECOWAS Central banks.

6) Freeze all Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.

7) Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions."

8) Impose travel bans on the military officials and their families involved in the coup attempt including anyone who accepts to take a position in the military government," it adds.