The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions Sunday on Niger’s coup leaders and called for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohammed Bazoum. The association of West African nations also threatened to use force against the junta if the democratically elected president is not reinstated in a week’s time. This came hours after supporters of the Junta attacked the French embassy in Niamey.

According to a statement issued by the ECOWAS heads of state and government after their summit on the political situation in Niger, ECOWAS stated that they:

Condemn in the strongest terms the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger and the illegal detention of His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum, President and Head of State of Niger, as well as members of his family and Government;

Call for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, and for the full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger; [and]

Consider the illegal detention of President Bazoum as a hostage situation and hold the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for the safety and security of His Excellency President Mohamed Bazoum, as well as members of his family and Government.

ECOWAS further stated that it was ready to take any other necessary measures to restore the constitutional order in Niger, including the use of force.

Several nations and organizations in the international community have supported ECOWAS in seeking the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. Minister for Africa in the UK government Andrew Mitchell condemned the coup on grounds that it undermines democracy, peace and stability. Further, he announced the UK government’s intention to suspend long- term development assistance to Niger. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also announced his support for ECOWAS and called for Niger’s democratically elected government of Niger must be reinstated.

The office of the President of France expressed their support for the initiative despite attacks on the French Embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey. According to AFP, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside France’s embassy in Niamey setting the door ablaze. AFP quoted the President’s office response, which said, “Should anyone attack French nationals, the army, diplomats and French interests, they will see France respond in an immediate and intractable manner.”

Niger is among the French colonies in Africa which have been experiencing high anti-French sentiments as Russia’s and China’s influence on the continent continue to grow.