The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a stern warning to the Niger junta, demanding the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum. Bazoum has been confined to his residence since his military ousting on July 26. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah emphasized the bloc’s unwavering stance: President Bazoum must be freed without conditions, and constitutional order should be reinstated promptly. Musah communicated this via WhatsApp in response to queries about the delayed proposed elections.
The direction of “ongoing informal discussions” will determine whether ECOWAS will dispatch another mediation mission to Niger, Musah explained. ECOWAS’s reputation has been in jeopardy due to a series of recent coups that have undermined democracy in the region, casting doubt on the bloc’s influence as junta leaders grasp onto power.
A delegation from ECOWAS visited Niger Republic for the second time on August 19, engaging in a final diplomatic effort before deciding on the potential military intervention against the junta. Meanwhile, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the military junta in Niger, stated his intention to relinquish power within three years. He cautioned that any foreign intervention would not be a simple undertaking, underlining the challenges involved.
