Italy has formally appealed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend the timeframe for the military junta in Niger to facilitate the reinstatement of democratic governance.
On Monday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made a request during an interview, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of the Economic Community of West African States, which expired last night at midnight, will be extended today,” Tajani said.
In response to fears of potential military intervention by the West African regional group, the leaders of the coup in Niger have taken the step of temporarily closing the country’s airspace starting Sunday.
Italy has stated that the prolongation of the timeframe is essential due to the coup leaders’ refusal to meet the established deadline for the reinstatement of President Mohammed Bazoum, who is currently in detention.
