West African leaders, gathered for a summit amidst regional instability, decided to uphold sanctions on Niger following the July military coup.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed their intention to ease sanctions only after observing concrete steps towards a transition back to civilian rule.
The summit aimed to address the growing crisis in the region, which has seen coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger since 2020, along with two attempted coups in other countries. This escalating instability has drawn international attention, particularly towards the recent coup in Niger.
Under military rule, Niger has requested the withdrawal of French troops stationed there but allows US military presence to continue. Negotiations with the Niamey regime reached a standstill, as ECOWAS demanded President Bazoum’s immediate reinstatement, while the military proposed a three-year transition period.
ECOWAS acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Niger but accused the regime of hindering the flow of aid allowed into the country.
The organization refrained from specifying an acceptable timeframe for the transition back to civilian rule.
Nigeria’s President Tinubu, current chair of ECOWAS, and US Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee participated in the summit to discuss supporting Niger’s return to democracy and addressing Sahel security concerns.
The summit also addressed the delayed or uncertain transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. ECOWAS lifted travel restrictions on leadership figures in these countries to facilitate negotiations.
Tinubu advocated for “re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans.”
Earlier this month, Nigeria proposed facilitating talks by freeing Bazoum and allowing him to travel to a neutral country. However, the military rejected this offer and requested Togolese President Gnassingbe’s mediation instead.
Niger’s military leader General Tiani visited Togo to strengthen bilateral ties and express his willingness to discuss the transition timeframe and Bazoum’s situation.
While a military intervention in Niger remains on the table, analysts believe it is increasingly unlikely.
The summit highlighted the growing “Alliance of Sahel States” formed by the military regimes of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which observers perceive as a strategy to divert attention from the pursuit of democracy and good governance.
