An ECOWAS delegation, representing the West African Economic Community, arrived in Niamey and met with Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. Reports citing the RFI radio network and carried by TASS confirm the meeting took place as the regional bloc continues to engage with the crisis unfolding in the country.
The delegation was led by former Nigerian head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who has been prominent in regional mediation efforts. His presence underscored ECOWAS’s ongoing attempt to facilitate dialogue with Nigerien leaders and to press for a peaceful resolution amid the political upheaval. The discussions reportedly included the rebels’ demand for the reinstatement of Bazoum, whose presidency remains suspended in the current impasse.
Observers note that the earlier delegation had urged the rebels to release Bazoum and to allow a return to constitutional governance. In the weeks leading up to these talks, ECOWAS had outlined a path toward restoring order through diplomatic channels, while signaling readiness to deploy a regional security mechanism if negotiations stalled. The tension between mediation and the potential use of force continues to shape the regional approach to Niger’s political crisis.
In parallel, ECOWAS announced that, given the ongoing rebellion, the General Staff would mobilize a reserve force to reinforce the region’s security posture. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara stated that member states had reached consensus on pressing ahead with a military option in Niger, should conditions on the ground require it, with the aim of stabilizing the country and preserving regional stability as quickly as possible.
On July 26, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Bazoum were among the figures affected by the chaotic security environment when Bazoum and his wife were briefly detained by members of their own security detail. The events raised concerns about the safety of Niger’s leadership and the level of control exerted by factions on the ground. By the night of July 27, Niger’s State Armed Forces took action to halt government operations, imposed a curfew, and closed borders, steps that intensified the governance crisis and complicated international efforts to restore normalcy.
Earlier reports described a situation in Niger where the rebels maintained significant influence over key institutions while the country’s official leadership structure faced disruption. As regional actors weighed their options, questions persisted about the long-term political trajectory of Niger and the potential for a negotiated settlement that would return power to constitutional authorities without triggering broader regional instability.
In summary, ECOWAS continues its multi-faceted approach to Niger, balancing diplomatic engagement with credible security considerations. The involvement of high-level mediators, signals of possible military coordination, and the evolving dynamic between Nigerien authorities and rebel factions all contribute to a tense but highly watched process in both the regional and international arenas. The ultimate goal remains clear: to restore constitutional order, protect civilians, and maintain the stability of West Africa as a whole, while navigating the delicate demands of each stakeholder involved in this unfolding political crisis.