An ECOWAS delegation in Niger on Saturday met the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in the presence of the military-appointed prime minister, Ali Zeine, and a noteworthy member of the junta. This meeting happened mere hours after the delegation’s arrival in Niamey, Niger’s capital, as part of a fresh and audacious endeavor to untangle the intricate crisis ensnaring the nation ever since the fateful events of a coup on July 26.
In a coordinated effort, ECOWAS delegates descended upon Niamey, joining forces with the United Nations Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, who had arrived on the preceding Friday. Together, they embarked on a collective mission to navigate the complex landscape of the ongoing crisis.
Adding to the intricate dynamics at play, the ECOWAS delegation descended upon Niger’s borders just a day after the bloc’s military expressed their readiness to step in and take action aimed at reinstating the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Confirming this pivotal meeting, Niger’s governing military council, underscoring their continued authority, acknowledged the arrival of the ECOWAS delegation. Leading this high-stakes diplomatic effort was former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, whose previous attempt earlier this month, as part of another ECOWAS delegation, to meet with Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, failed.
“We met Bazoum, we heard from him what was done to him. He told us about the problems he’s facing. We’ll take it to the leaders who sent us here,” said Abubakar. “Without doubt, the meeting has opened discussions to lead to a way to resolve this crisis.”
The West Africa representatives also met with Tchiani on Saturday, though there was no information as to what was discussed.
Since their audacious overthrow of the democratically elected President Bazoum in July, the mutinous soldiers have wasted little time consolidating their grip on power. They steadfastly resisted most attempts at engaging in dialogue and, in a stark display of authority, placed President Bazoum, along with his wife and son, under house arrest within the confines of the capital.