According to press reports, the West African leaders did not rule out the use of force to restore order, while imposing financial sanctions.

Since Wednesday, the Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held by the military at the presidential palace, and on Friday Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani proclaimed himself the country’s new leader.

In this context, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to restore a constitutional order in Niger within a week and, if the demands are met, to “take all necessary measures”.

ECOWAS also agreed to suspend all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger, as well as to freeze assets of military officials involved in the coup.

Meanwhile in Niamey, thousands of people took to the streets to champion the coup leaders who seized power on Wednesday and arrested President Mohamed Bazoum.

The protest was organized by the M62, one of the major opposition movements whose leaders have been condemning for months that they have been victims of political persecution.

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