The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State would Thursday hold another extraordinary summit to discuss the political crisis in Niger Republic.

This came after the West African regional bloc gave the coup leaders led by Abdourahmane Tchiani, a former head of the president’s security, a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The coup leaders ignored the deadline, which ended on Sunday and immediately closed the country’s airspace until further notice, citing the increased threat of military intervention.

In a press release, the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, said the summit would be held in Abuja.

At the summit, the bloc would “be considering and discussing the political situation and recent developments” in Niger.

Last week, Mr Bazoum raised the alarm that Mali and Burkina Faso are using criminal Russian mercenaries, Wager Group, to subvert Nigerien’s rights.

The president had been detained since his government was overthrown in the military coup led by Mr Tchiani.

Despite widespread condemnation trailing the military seizure of power in Niger, various groups and international communities have cautioned against military action in the West African country.