ECOWAS has activated a “standby force” to restore order in Niger after the junta ignored a deadline to release and reinstate Bazoum.

Another 20 soldiers were injured, with all of them evacuated to the capital city, Niamey.

He also said the Government has a robust plan to address the economic challenges facing the country.

They said that priority should be on the safety of Bazoum and restoring constitutional order.

He saluted their sacrifice and devotion to the nation.

“Most of the world’s natural resources are in Africa, 60% of the world’s arable land and a massive population of motivated youth.”

Government is servicing debt with 96% of national income, he continued.

ECOWAS Commission VP said prevailing socio-economic challenges have laid the foundation for new movements by youth that challenge existing political establishments.

He promised to work with President Bongo to restore constitutional order in Niger.

ECOWAS had earlier suspended a key military meeting for August 12 in Accra.

He hailed Google’s N1.2bn grant initiative for 1 million digital jobs.

He highlighted his commitment to maintaining competitiveness in the petroleum industry.

Analysts said the loss of fuel subsidies will cause inflation to rise faster than originally predicted.

Meanwhile human rights activist Liborous Oshoma has called for IGP and Timpreye Silva to come clean on involvement in attacks.

He also said Shaibu’s asking for an interim injunction from the courts as “presumptive, speculative, and maybe premature.”

President Ruto removed fuel and maize flour subsidies after assuming office September last year and increased taxes this year.

Tinubu said ECOWAS remains committed to supporting Niger achieve democratic stability.

He condemned the action of the DSS in their continued incarceration of the duo against constitutional provisions and lawful order of court.

The country representative said despite lack of adequate data on older persons, Nigeria was not spared from the alarming figures with about 14.8 million aged 60years and above in 2020.

Oil and gas suppliers decry high diesel price, want 7.5% tax withdrawn.