The political crisis in Niger following the coup that took place on July 26 continues to attract the attention of the international community. In response to this situation, a delegation mandated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is scheduled to travel to Niamey on August 2, 2023. This mediation will be led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Nigerian, and will also feature the participation of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, an influential religious figure in the region.
This delegation will seek to meet the putschist soldiers and encourage a return to constitutional order in the country. This is ECOWAS’ first mediation initiative since the coup. Earlier, Chad’s transitional president, Mahamat Déby Itno, had traveled to Niger to attempt mediation, but this had not led to any concrete results.
At the same time, the chiefs of staff of the ECOWAS member countries are meeting in Abuja on the same day to discuss the possibility of military intervention in the Niger crisis. ECOWAS leaders have already decided on severe sanctions against Niger and set a one-week ultimatum for the return to constitutional order. If this ultimatum is not respected, a military intervention could be envisaged.
The decision for military intervention aims to restore the sovereignty of the country and a precise roadmap has been drawn up by the chiefs of staff of the ECOWAS countries. This includes developing a response plan, strategy, logistics and a specific timeline for the response.
The crisis in Niger has mobilized many leaders in the region, including the current president of ECOWAS, Patrice Talon, who discussed the situation with Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria. Diplomatic efforts continue to promote a return to constitutional order and ensure stability in Niger.
In conclusion, the ECOWAS delegation and the meeting of Chiefs of Staff testify to the determination of the international community to resolve the crisis in Niger. The hope of a return to constitutional order and stability remains, but a military intervention is not excluded if the putschists do not respect the ultimatum set by ECOWAS. The situation therefore remains tense and it is essential to closely follow the evolution of the situation in Niger