Your sanctions against us are unjustified – Niger coup leader slams ECOWAS

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the Niger junta, expressed his disapproval of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions, stating that they were unjustified.

Tchiani, during a meeting with an ECOWAS delegation led by former President General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), demanded that the Federal Government restore electricity that had been cut off as part of the sanctions imposed on the coupists after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

He argued that the regional bloc’s economic sanctions were unnecessary and unfairly targeted the people of Niger.

Tchiani also claimed that the lack of electricity was leading to the death of children and other patients in hospitals.

Additionally, he highlighted the challenges faced in obtaining essential items such as food and drugs due to the closure of borders.

ECOWAS had given the junta a seven-day deadline to reinstate President Bazoum, but despite the pressure from the organization and other countries, the situation remains unresolved.

I reaffirm here that our ambition is not to confiscate power. I also reaffirm our readiness to engage in any dialogue, as long as it takes into account the orientations desired by the proud and resilient people of Niger, he added.