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Coup attempt in Niger

ECOWAS suspends commercial operations with Niger

The organization said that it is stopping financial assistance to country and freezing its assets

DUBAI, July 30. /TASS/. Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are suspending commercial operation with Niger, according to the statement of an ECOWAS summit called over the current situation in Niger.

"We suspend all commercial operation with Niger," the Al-Jazeera television channel cited the document.

Apart from that, the organization said that it is stopping financial assistance to Niger and freezing its assets.

On the evening of July 26, rebels in Niger announced the dismissal of President Mohamed Bazoum, the closure of national borders, the introduction of a curfew, the suspension of the constitution, and the prohibition of political parties.

During the coup, Tchiani reportedly headed the presidential guard, whose officers seized former President Bazoum. The National Council includes a range of Nigerien top officers, including former Chief of Staff General Salif Modi who retired this April.

Set up in 1975, ECOWAS unites 15 states. However, it has suspended membership of three countries, namely Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, where the military has seized power in recent years.

Niger’s neighbor Chad, which is not a member of the organization, was invited to its Sunday’s summit.

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Coup attempt in Niger

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