LIVE UPDATES
- The Niger Coup d'état made ECOWAS send two delegations to the Republic to resolve the political crisis.
- The first delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, is currently in Niamey, the Nigerien capital, to meet with the coup leaders and other stakeholders.
- The second delegation, led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, is in Libya and Algeria to discuss the crisis with the leaders of those countries.
The Niger Coup has embroiled a political crisis in the Republic as General Abdourahmane Tchiani assume power on July 26, 2023.
In an attempt to restore democracy, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dispatched two delegations to engage with the coupists and other stakeholders in the country.
However, negotiations have hit a roadblock, leading the junta to take drastic measures, including recalling the Nigerien Ambassadors to Nigeria, Togo, the United States, and France.
The junta leaders also announced plans to evict French and US troops while terminating all Memorandum of Understanding with France.
Niger Coup: Failed Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations between the military junta and the ECOWAS delegation have proven unsuccessful, leading to significant repercussions.
Reports from defence sources in Niamey, the Niger capital, confirmed the junta's decision to recall the country's ambassadors to key nations and terminate agreements with France.
According to The PUNCH, the source said,
“The ongoing negotiation has failed. The junta has declared that it’ll recall Niger’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Togo, France, and the US,” an impeccable defence source said in a terse message sent to our correspondent Friday morning.
“The junta has just announced that it’ll evict French and US troops in the Niger Republic, noting that all MoU agreements between France and Niger have ended,” another source privy to the development noted.
Niger Republic Defence coup source.
This move aims to assert the junta's authority and remove foreign military presence within Niger.
ECOWAS Delegation's Efforts over Niger Coup
The ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has been tasked with resolving the crisis and restoring democracy in Niger.
Another delegation, led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, engaged with leaders from Libya and Algeria, neighbouring countries crucial for regional solidarity and peaceful talks.
The ECOWAS leadership expressed their displeasure with the coupists, urging them to return power to an elected president and avoid a potential military intervention.
However, President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the primary concern of the ECOWAS is democracy and regional peace. The two missions aim to find diplomatic solutions, avoid conflict and ensure the stability of the region.
Engaging with neighbouring countries, such as Libya and Algeria, demonstrates the solidarity required for constructive talks.
The crisis in Niger following the coup has drawn regional attention and concern.
The failure of negotiations has prompted the military junta to take drastic measures, affecting diplomatic relations with key nations.
The ECOWAS delegation's efforts to engage with all stakeholders, including neighbouring countries, hold hope for finding a peaceful resolution to the situation.
As the crisis unfolds, it remains essential for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the nation and work towards a democratic and stable Niger for the sake of African peace and development.
