On Sunday, July 30, 2023, ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is planning an extraordinary summit to address the ongoing conflict situation in Niger. In response to this meeting, the coup leaders who overthrew Mohamed Bazoum have reminded the sub-regional institution that they are ready to defend their country against its “aggression plan.”
The objective of the ECOWAS summit on Niger’s situation would reportedly be to establish a military intervention plan against the coup leaders. This information was conveyed in statement number 10 from the National Council for the Safeguarding of Democracy (CNPS).
According to the statement read by Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, the purpose of the meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State would be “to validate an aggression plan against Niger, through an imminent military intervention in Niamey, in collaboration with non-member African countries of the Organization and certain Western countries.”
The showdown is officially unfolding between the CNPS and ECOWAS. The military is determined and shows no signs of backing down. “We once again remind ECOWAS or any other adventurer of our firm determination to defend our country,” declared the spokesperson of the coup leaders.
Between negotiations and military intervention, which option will ECOWAS choose? Initially, ECOWAS had announced a mediation mission to Niamey, which was later reconsidered. Patrice Talon had been designated to lead this mission, but he eventually did not go. The organization is likely awaiting the outcome of today’s summit to make formal decisions.
The summit will determine the form that ECOWAS intervention will take in resolving this problem. Nevertheless, it is known that the organization has seldom succeeded in negotiating with coup leaders.
Currently, the country is governed by the National Council for the Safeguarding of Democracy (CNPS), led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
