The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said that it will use force and sanctions to reinstate Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted Niger president, if the military junta doesn’t restore his presidency within one week.

Member states of the ECOWAS made the decision at an extraordinary summit to address Niger’s political situation in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday.

The West African bloc already announced some immediate sanctions such as border closures, freezing of assets and travel bans on Nigerien military officials.

READ MORE: FULL TEXT: Tinubu Reacts to Coup Against Nigerian President

A multitude of Niger citizens had marched to the French embassy in Niger to protest against France’s interference in the military junta.

France said that it would respond in an immediate and intractable manner if its citizens were attacked.

“Should anyone attack French nationals, the army, diplomats and French interests, they will see France respond in an immediate and intractable manner,” the French president’s office told international reporters on Sunday.

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It said that French President Emmanuel Macron “will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests”.

So far, the United States, France, ECOWAS and the United Nations have condemned the coup in Niger. France has announced the withdrawal of hundreds of millions of euros in international support for Niger.

Niger’s military has since kept Bazoum and other government officials grounded. Ministers have been asked to account for the democratic government’s administrative actions and financial decisions.