Crisis in Niger: ECOWAS begins negotiations with the ruling junta/ 3 Heads of State appointed as mediators
In an ordinary session held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, December 10, the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) made crucial decisions concerning the political turmoil in Niger. Following the recent coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and brought General Abderhamane Tiani to power, ECOWAS has opted to uphold sanctions against the country while appointing three Presidents as mediators to resolve this crisis in Niger.
President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, Patrice Talon of Benin, and Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone have been designated by ECOWAS to address the crisis in Niger, as announced by Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The mediation committee is set to arrive in Niamey in the coming days to engage in discussions with leaders of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), aiming to find a resolution to the crisis.
Recall that the ruling junta, in power since Bazoum’s removal, declined a tripartite international mission last August, citing «security reasons» for refusing representatives from the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS.
Omar Touray highlighted that the committee’s role is to negotiate with Niger’s authorities on the commitments needed before any relaxation of the sanctions.
«Based on the outcomes of the Heads of State Committee’s engagement with the CNSP, ECOWAS will gradually ease sanctions on Niger», stated Touray at the summit’s conclusion.
He emphasized, «If the CNSP does not comply with the results of the engagement, ECOWAS will maintain all sanctions».
Fayçal BADIE
