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Delegates from the Economic Community of West African States arrived in Niger on Saturday to commence discussions with the military leaders who currently hold power in the country. Niger, a landlocked nation with a population of over 25 million people, is now under military control. The delegation’s objective is to find a peaceful resolution. (Photo by Issifou Djibo/EPA-EFE)
Aug. 19 (UPI) — On Saturday, representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) arrived in Niger for crucial talks with the country’s military rulers. This meeting comes after two previous attempts at dialogue failed.
Prior to the delegation’s visit, ECOWAS confirmed its plans to deploy its Standby Force to Niger. The arrival of the political delegation on Saturday is seen as a last-ditch effort to find a peaceful resolution to the situation in the country.
Currently, ECOWAS leaders are convening in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, to discuss the possibility of military intervention.
In a military coup on July 26, General Abdourahamane Tchiani and the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland overthrew Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS demanded Bazoum’s immediate release, but the council has not complied. The union of West African states, which includes Niger, threatened retaliation if Bazoum was not freed.
The military leaders claim to have evidence to support treason charges against President Bazoum, but they have not provided specifics. They also closed Nigerian airspace ahead of the ECOWAS-imposed deadline. Currently, Bazoum remains under house arrest.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the desire for a return to constitutional order and the release of President Bazoum and his family to restore their legitimate authority. President Joe Biden of the United States has also called for Bazoum’s immediate release.
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