Niger coup: Anxiety, defiance as ECOWAS schedules meeting after ultimatum expires

The deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the military leaders in Niger to restore the country's democratically elected government has expired, but there is no sign that the coup leaders are about to back down.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ECOWAS said it was "deeply concerned" by the continued defiance of the coup leaders and that it would "take appropriate measures" to ensure the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.

The coup leaders, who call themselves the National Council for the Restoration of Democracy and the State (CNRD), have said they will only hand power back to civilians after a transition period of 18 months.

The CNRD has also imposed a number of restrictions on civil liberties, including a ban on public demonstrations and a curfew from 7pm to 6am. The coup has sparked widespread anxiety in Niger, where people are worried about the future of their country.

In the capital, Niamey, there are long queues at banks and ATMs as people try to withdraw money. There are also reports of people stockpiling food and fuel in preparation for a possible escalation of the crisis.

The coup has also had a negative impact on the economy. The Nigerien stock exchange has been closed since the coup, and the country's currency, the CFA franc, has lost value.

The coup has also damaged Niger's reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa. Niger has been praised for its transition to democracy in recent years, and it was seen as a model for other countries in the region.

The coup has also raised concerns about the stability of the region as a whole. West Africa has been plagued by coups in recent years, and the Niger coup is a reminder that the region is still vulnerable to political instability.

The ECOWAS meeting on Thursday is likely to be a crucial moment in the crisis. If ECOWAS is unable to persuade the coup leaders to step down, it could lead to further instability in the region.

The international community is also watching the situation closely. The United States and the European Union have condemned the coup and called for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger.

The coup in Niger is a reminder of the fragility of democracy in West Africa. It is also a reminder of the need for the international community to work together to prevent coups and promote stability in the region.

In addition to the anxiety and defiance that have been caused by the coup, there are also concerns about the potential for violence. The CNRD has a history of violence, and there are fears that it could use force to suppress dissent.

There have already been reports of clashes between the CNRD and protesters, and the situation could deteriorate further if the coup leaders do not step down. The coup in Niger is a serious crisis that has the potential to destabilize the entire region.

The international community must work together to resolve the crisis and prevent further violence. The restoration of constitutional order in Niger is essential for the stability of West Africa.