Abdel Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Politics, Peace and Security at ECOWAS, stated that the regional bloc offered a neutral venue for dialogue with the Nigerien putschists. The remark, reported by Al Jazeera, underscored ECOWAS’s preference for diplomacy while leaving room for other options should negotiations fail.
Musah emphasized that ECOWAS would not rush to resort to military force in Niger. He noted that the bloc had yet to observe concrete steps from Niger’s military council and warned that it could not wait indefinitely for progress toward a peaceful settlement.
The ECOWAS representative highlighted the humanitarian toll of sanctions on Niger’s civilian population, clarifying that the sanctions were aimed at the ruling authorities rather than the citizens. He also indicated that ECOWAS was pressing the putschists to hand over President Mohammed Bazoum as a gesture of goodwill that could pave the way for stabilization and a return to constitutional order.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remained tense as Niger’s armed forces prepared for potential escalation. Government forces were reportedly directed to maximize combat readiness in response to the evolving crisis, while rebels asserted their control over key state functions.
On July 26, President Bazoum and his wife reportedly lost access to some security arrangements amid the unfolding coup. By July 27, the military action intensified, with state institutions placed under curfew, borders closed, and significant disruptions affecting daily life. Rebels claimed they would safeguard the safety and physical integrity of the displaced constitutional authority while exercising control over strategic sites.
By July 27, international voices called for restraint and a return to dialogue. The United Nations warned against further destabilization and urged the authorities to ensure the president’s safety, while the United States and the European Union condemned the coup and voiced support for a peaceful resolution. Moscow signaled openness to dialogue as a possible avenue to de-escalate the crisis, reflecting the broader international interest in stabilizing Niger without external interference.
On July 28, General Abdurahman Tchiani, previously the head of the presidential guard, announced the formation of the National Council for the Salvation of the Homeland, a body said to be acting on behalf of the military to steer the country through the upheaval. The declaration signaled a shift in the leadership of the coup movement and raised questions about the path toward a return to civilian governance and constitutional order.
As the week unfolded, observers cautioned that the risk of bloodshed could rise if foreign involvement intensified. Analysts noted that any escalation would likely provoke a broader regional response and could complicate Niger’s security situation, given its strategic position amid Sahel instability and ongoing tension with armed groups operating in neighboring areas. The evolving sequence of events highlighted the fragile balance between insisting on constitutional restoration and managing the humanitarian and geopolitical stakes of the crisis.
Throughout this period, international actors repeatedly urged restraint and emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue. The situation remained fluid, with Nigerien authorities and the coup leadership facing pressure to outline a credible plan for a peaceful transition, release or reinstate constitutional governance, and ensure the safety and rights of all citizens. The international community continued to monitor developments closely, ready to support mechanisms that would restore stability and protect civilians while discouraging violence and external meddling, in line with the sovereignty and legitimate aspirations of the Nigerien people.