Few options for ECOWAS as leaders meet again in Abuja over Niger

The heads of governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are meeting in Abuja today to discuss the political situation in the Niger Republic, two weeks after soldiers removed President Mohamed Bazoum.

The meeting comes after the military junta refused to restore democratic order in that member country as demanded by ECOWAS, and as it repeatedly rebuffs attempts at negotiations.

The junta named a cabinet on Thursday as the Abuja meeting was underway, consolidating power and leaving fewer options for the regional bloc.

The leaders are expected to discuss a number of options, including military intervention, sanctions, and political dialogue. There has been increasing opposition against the plan to use force in Niger and many also believe sanctions may not work.

President Bola Tinubu, who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS, is hosting the leaders. The meeting is expected to be crucial in determining the future of Niger, as the ECOWAS had threatened the use of force against the junta.

“It is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach,” Mr Tinubu said as he opened the summit.

– Here are some additional context on this story:

• The military junta in Niger overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
• The junta suspended the constitution and closed the country’s airspace as ECOWAS threat of force loomed.
• The coup has been condemned by the United Nations, the African Union, and the United States.
• ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on the junta, including travel bans and asset freezes.

– Learn more

The ECOWAS leaders had earlier met in Abuja after the coup, during which it called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.

The leaders rejected any form of purported resignation by Mr Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected president by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.

They demanded full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and considered the illegal detention of Mr Bazoum as a hostage situation, holding the coupists solely responsible for his safety and that of his family and government.

Those who attended that meeting were Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Embalo of Guinea Bissau, Macky Sall of Senegal, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo. Presidents of Cape Verde, Liberia, Niger and Sierra Leone were represented.