A delegation from ECOWAS is currently in Niamey to engage in dialogue with the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP). Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need to reach a consensus agreement with the emissaries.
As the gradually ending ultimatum looms, ECOWAS is actively involved in negotiation efforts with the Nigerien coup leaders. The President of ECOWAS believes it is imperative to achieve an “amicable” resolution.
Bola Tinubu urged the delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, to “do everything” to find a peaceful solution together with the junta for a return to constitutional order.
If this option fails, ECOWAS, in line with the final communiqué from its extraordinary summit, will resort to other means. All options are on the table for the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum. It is explicitly stated that the use of force is not ruled out.
ECOWAS is prepared to deploy military forces to Niger to dislodge General Tiani’s camp. This mission may be complicated, given the firm support of Mali and Burkina Faso for the coup leaders.
On Wednesday evening, General Tiani stated on national television that the CNSP is not willing to back down. For him, the chapter of Mohamed Bazoum is now closed. Even sanctions and threats are not enough to shake them.
