Calay News
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had planned to send a delegation to Niamey, the capital of Niger, ahead of a meeting in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to address the crisis. However, the military that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 announced that they would not be able to receive the delegation due to security concerns.
The Niger Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the current context of indignation and tension after the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS made it difficult to receive the delegation in a calm and safe environment. Niger is a key player in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel region, with the presence of military forces from Western powers such as France and the United States.
ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the Nigerien military and urged them to reinstate President Bazoum before a set deadline. Despite this, the military appointed a civilian prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, suggesting a possible path towards forming a transitional government rather than caving in to the demands of its neighbors.
Although ECOWAS prefers to resolve the crisis diplomatically, it does not rule out any other option. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu believes in diplomacy as the main way and hopes for a peaceful solution. The United States maintains the hope of a negotiated solution but recognizes the reality of the context. France, a former colonial power in Niger, supports regional efforts to restore democracy in the country.
The new regime’s relations with Mali and Burkina Faso, also ruled by the military due to recent coups, are favorable. Despite the marches in Niger with slogans against France, the country maintains strong ties with its neighbors in the region.
