Italy’s foreign ministry has called on West Africa’s regional bloc, Ecowas, to extend the deadline issued to the leaders of the coup in Niger to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
“The only way is the diplomatic one. I hope that the ultimatum of Ecowas which expired last night will be extended today,” Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday.
Late on Sunday, Niger's junta shut the country’s airspace after defying the deadline. International flights were diverted or had to return to their country of origin as a result.
The army said it believes preparations to invade Niger had begun in two African countries but gave no evidence.
Ecowas has not made a statement since the deadline expired.
