A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which arrived in Niamey on Saturday afternoon, met with President Mohamed Bazoum, detained since the July 26 coup, according to a source from the regional organization.
Abdulsalam Abubakar, the head of the delegation and former Nigerien president, stated, “We met with President Mohamed Bazoum and had a discussion with him. He informed us about some challenges he faces, and we will convey all of this to our leadership. I won’t reveal what Bazoum told me. However, the dialogue conducted with both sides was positive. We believe today’s talks are a constructive step towards continuing the dialogue to resolve the crisis.”
A photograph of President Bazoum, surrounded by the ECOWAS delegation members during their visit to the Presidential Palace, was distributed. The president appeared to be in good condition.
ECOWAS is actively seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the group’s defense ministers confirmed on Friday their readiness for military intervention if the coup leaders continue to resist international pressure to step down.
ECOWAS has taken a stricter stance on the coup in Niger – the seventh in the region within three years – compared to previous coups. The bloc’s credibility is at stake, as it has previously asserted it will not tolerate further such coups.
Moreover, the US State Department announced on Saturday the arrival of the new ambassador to Niger, Kathleen Fitzgibbon, in the capital Niamey. However, she will not formally present her credentials due to the “current political crisis.”
