A delegation led by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has arrived in Niger’s capital, Niamey. This visit comes in the wake of a recent statement from the bloc’s defense chiefs, indicating their preparedness to intervene and reinstate the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
While Niger’s military council, currently in control of the nation, confirmed the presence of the ECOWAS representatives, reports suggest that the delegation’s stay in the capital was brief due to rumors of mutiny among soldiers owing to unpaid salaries. These reports also claimed that General Abdourahmane Tchiani, a key military figure, had vacated the presidential palace.
According to the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), a component of the Junta, Abdulsalami Abubakar’s plane touched down around 1:00 p.m. (12:00 GMT). It’s noteworthy that a previous ECOWAS delegation led by Abubakar had attempted to engage President Bazoum and coup leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani earlier this month, but the meeting did not come to fruition.
Following the coup on July 26, President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the ECOWAS chairman, designated Abdulsalami Abubakar as a special envoy to Niger. A source familiar with ECOWAS affairs disclosed that the current delegation’s primary aim is to convey a resolute message to the soldiers in Niamey and engage in discussions with detained President Bazoum.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, communicated that this mission is geared towards “continuing our commitment to peaceful approaches for restoring constitutional order.” In parallel, ECOWAS has signaled its readiness for a potential armed intervention to reestablish constitutional order in Niger. Musah stated, “We stand ready to intervene upon receiving the signal. The intervention date has also been set,” following a comprehensive two-day meeting of the chiefs of staff.
Meanwhile, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the prime minister appointed by the junta in Niger, reassured that the captive president would remain unharmed. In an interview with The New York Times, Zeine emphasized that Niger’s history does not align with violence and categorically denied any plans of collaboration between the coup leaders and Russia or Kremlin-affiliated Wagner Group mercenaries.
