A delegation representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), engaged in talks with the deposed President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and held discussions with junta leader, General Abdourahmane Tiani in Niamey, the capital city.
This meeting comes as part of ECOWAS’ diplomatic efforts to reverse the coup that took place on July 26. The junta leaders’ willingness to accept the delegation’s mission could indicate a new openness to negotiation, following ECOWAS’ recent reaffirmation of its potential use of force as a last resort to reinstate democracy.
The bloc had also mentioned that a specific “D-Day” had been agreed upon for potential military intervention.
While previous ECOWAS delegations were turned away, the group that arrived on Saturday was welcomed by the junta-appointed prime minister at Niamey airport, according to an ECOWAS source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Led by Nigeria’s former military leader, Abdulsalami Abubakar, the delegation also included ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, the source added.
Nigerian presidential spokesperson Abdulaziz Abdulaziz shared an image of the delegation’s meeting with Bazoum, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic manoeuvres within the region.
“After meeting (junta leader), General Abdoulrahmane Tchiani, the ECOWAS delegation in Niger have also visited President Mohamed Bazoum this evening,” he wrote on messaging platform X.
Although specific details about the talks’ outcomes were not disclosed, the junta refrained from providing immediate commentary on the negotiations. The junta has maintained custody of President Mohamed Bazoum since seizing power, despite international calls urging his release.
In a televised address to the nation on Saturday evening, General Abdourahmane Tiani expressed that both the coup leaders and the Nigerien populace were averse to conflict and remained receptive to engaging in dialogue.
He emphasised that while the country’s stance prioritised peaceful resolution, Niger was also prepared to defend itself if necessary. Tiani underscored that any potential aggression against Niger would not be as straightforward as some might perceive.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts and internal deliberations continuing as West African nations endeavour to navigate the evolving scenario in Niger.
However, thousands of people lined up outside the main stadium in Niamey on Saturday in response to the call for civilian auxiliaries in support of the armed forces.
GOVIMA reported that a group announced a need for volunteers to join the junta’s fight against the West African regional bloc. The event organiser said the junta was not involved in this initiative, although it was aware of it.
Regional countries have threatened the Nigerien junta of a possible military intervention. African News reports
“I want to be a soldier for the love of my country. What’s more, Niger is our country. I want to commit myself to Niger. Long live Niger!” Mamadou exclaimed.
“I’ve heard there that they need 5,000 or 10,000 volunteer soldiers. That’s why I came here,” Abdoulaye who is a footballer said.
Some parents brought their children to sign up; others said they’d been waiting since 3 a.m to answer a call from several organisations
Young people chanted in favour of the junta and against ECOWAS and the country’s former colonial ruler France.
The initiative, spearheaded by a group of locals in Niamey, aims to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country to register for the Volunteers for the Defense of Niger.
The group would fight, assist with medical care, and provide technical and engineering logistics among other functions, in case the junta needs help according to Amsarou Bako, one of the founders, who spoke with The Associated Press Tuesday (Aug. 8).
“I’m a military mother, we’re waiting for you, young volunteers. From now until tomorrow, that’s what I had to say, wa-Allah. We’re waiting for you, I hope you’ll get us out of all these difficulties,” an activist who was not named told cheerign crowds.
Ecowas envoys landed in Niger Saturday (Aug. 19) to try to pursue further dialogue with the junta.
The delegation includes former Nigerian military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar according the Nigerien ruling CNSP’s communication office.
Abubakar had already visited Niamey as a representative of ECOWAS on August 3rd but he couldn’t meet the nation’s new strongman Abdourahamane Tchiani nor deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.
ECOWAS’ commissioner for political affairs and security insisted Friday (Aug. 18) they were ready to send a standby force should negotiations fail.
