The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dispatched a delegation to Niger to engage in negotiations with the military officers responsible for the recent coup.
The coup took place last week and saw the seizure of power from elected President Mohamed Bazoum. In response, ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and warned that it may authorize the use of force if Bazoum is not reinstated within a week from the time of the coup.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized that the military option is considered a last resort but added that preparations must be made for all eventualities.
He stated that it is essential to demonstrate that ECOWAS is capable of taking decisive action when necessary.
The delegation sent to Niger is being led by former Nigerian military leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, who arrived in Niger to initiate talks with the junta, which is currently led by General Abdourahmane Tiani, the former head of President Bazoum’s guard.
The coup leaders detained President Bazoum in his palace last Wednesday and subsequently declared themselves as the new head of state.
ECOWAS has been grappling with a democratic decline in West Africa, as several member states, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, have experienced coups in the past two years, with Guinea-Bissau also witnessing an attempted coup.
