(VOVWORLD) - West African nations imposed sanctions and threatened force on Sunday if Niger's coup leaders fail to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week.
 Demonstrators gather in the capita Niamey, Niger, on July 30, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS)
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At an emergency summit in Nigeria to discuss last week's coup, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for constitutional order to be restored, warning of reprisals if not.
"Such measures may include the use of force," their communique said, adding that defence officials would meet immediately to that effect.
ECOWAS and the eight-member West African Economic and Monetary Union said that with immediate effect borders with Niger would be closed, commercial flights banned, financial transactions halted, national assets frozen and aid ended.
Military officials involved in the coup would be banned from travelling and have their assets frozen, it added.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed ECOWAS's action.