The situation in Niger, following the July 26 coup d’état that led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, has been a focal point of regional concern and diplomatic activity. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been actively involved in mediating and negotiating with the military regime in Niger to ensure a prompt return to civilian rule.
Recently, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, engaged in mediation efforts in Niamey. He confirmed that an agreement had been reached on the “content and timing of the transition” with the Nigerien Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Yaou Sangaré. Dussey announced on Nigerien national television that this plan would be presented to the heads of state mediators and the ECOWAS Commission.
Ecowas head of states, convened in Abuja, Nigeria
The ECOWAS has set up a committee to negotiate with Niger’s ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP). The committee includes the presidents of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin. Their role is to engage with CNSP and other stakeholders to agree on a short transition roadmap and establish transition organs. The committee will also work on setting up a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism to expedite the restoration of constitutional order.
In addition to the political negotiations, there is a growing humanitarian concern in Niger. International NGOs have raised urgent calls for ECOWAS to ease sanctions, highlighting that over 4.3 million people are in urgent need of aid. The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS have not included any humanitarian exemptions, which has exacerbated the food insecurity in Niger. More than 2 million people were food insecure between October and December 2023, leading to significant population movements due to lack of access to food or assistance.
