A spokesperson for the Nigerian presidency stated in an online post that a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met with the ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, during their visit to the capital Niamey on Saturday. The spokesperson added that the delegation also met with the military council leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani. The head of the ECOWAS delegation confirmed that "the talks with the military council and the President of Niger were positive, and we believe they will be key to continuing the dialogue to resolve the crisis."
A source from ECOWAS noted that a delegation, including the president of the group, flew to Niamey today to hold talks with the military council, as the bloc seeks to pursue diplomatic avenues to end the July 26 coup. The source mentioned that "the Prime Minister appointed by the military council received the delegation, which includes ECOWAS President Omar Touray, at Niamey airport, and discussions with the military leaders are scheduled." No comments have yet been issued from the military council.
ECOWAS is seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, but defense ministers from the group confirmed yesterday that they are prepared to intervene militarily if the coup leaders continue to defy international pressure for their removal. ECOWAS has adopted a tougher stance on the coup in Niger, the seventh in the region in three years, compared to previous coups. The bloc’s credibility is at stake as it had previously stated it would not tolerate further such coups.
