A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) began a mediation mission in Niamey, Niger, this Thursday, January 25, 2024.
The main aim of the mission is to improve the country’s socio-political situation, and to advocate the immediate release of former president Mohamed Bazoum.
The delegation, comprising the foreign ministers of Benin, Togo and Sierra Leone, represents ECOWAS in a mediation initiative undertaken after the last summit of the sub-regional organization’s heads of state.
ECOWAS remains deeply concerned by the political situation in Niger, and is committed to using all means at its disposal to safeguard Niger’s democracy.
The West African delegation plans to meet with Niger’s transitional authorities in the coming hours, as well as with the deposed former president, Mohamed Bazoum, currently under house arrest since his overthrow more than six months ago.
Despite calls from ECOWAS for a rapid transition to civilian rule, General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP), has not revealed a timetable for the transition.
His proposal for an inclusive national dialogue has been slow to materialize, fuelling concerns about political stability in Niger.