2023-08-19 14:39:29
A delegation from West Africa arrived in Niamey on Saturday with the aim of conducting further diplomatic mediation with the military who have taken control of Niger. Sources close to the new military regime, ECOWAS and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum reported this information to AFP.
The plane landed around 1:00 p.m. (12:00 GMT) with a delegation of emissaries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on board. This arrival follows the announcement of the regional organization, which had declared itself ready to engage in armed intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
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The delegation is headed in particular by the former Nigerian president, Abdulsalami Abubakar, according to information provided by the communication unit of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), which took power following the coup d’etat of July 26. Mr. Abubakar had already traveled to Niamey on behalf of ECOWAS on August 3, but he had not had the opportunity to meet either Niger’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani, or the ousted president.
According to a source close to ECOWAS, this delegation wishes to convey “a message of firmness” to the military in Niamey and intends to meet President Bazoum, who is still being held as a prisoner. On Friday, Abdel-Fatau Musah, commissioner for political affairs, peace and security of the regional organization, announced that this mission was intended to “pursue the peaceful path to restore constitutional order”.
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At the same time, ECOWAS made it known that it was ready to engage in armed intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger. “We are ready to intervene as soon as the order is given. The day for the intervention has also been set,” Musah said following a two-day meeting of West African chiefs of staff in Accra.
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