Former presidents and prime ministers of Niger have issued a joint letter, calling on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift sanctions from the coup-hit nation and find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis.
"We ... are asking you to lift sanctions against the people of Niger and use diplomatic and political means to find together with the military peaceful and constructive solutions to this serious crisis suffered by our country," the letter, dated August 8, read.
The signees include former President Mahamane Ousmane as well as former prime ministers, such as Seini Oumarou, Mamane Oumarou, Hama Amadou, Mahamadou Danda.
The coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.
The caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland closed the country's borders and broke security agreements with France, its former colonizer.
In late July, ECOWAS suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze rebels' assets and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country, as well as closed all borders.
Nigeria, Niger's southern neighbor, cut electricity supply to the nation. ECOWAS gave coup leaders one week to reinstate Bazoum and restore order, hinting that it would resort to military intervention otherwise. Its ultimatum expired on Sunday.