Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States’ President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, is currently presiding over an Extraordinary Summit of the regional body on the Political Situation in Niger Republic.
The summit at the State House Conference Center in Abuja is discussing recent developments in Niger Republic and deciding on the next steps after the junta’s removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Following the last ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on July 30 in Abuja, sanctions were imposed on Niger, particularly on the coupists. The immediate release of President Bazoum, his family, and government members who are currently detained by the military was demanded.
In an effort to de-escalate the crisis and avert any potential armed intervention, various stakeholders from Nigeria and Niger have been working together to advocate for a diplomatic approach and continued negotiations with both the ECOWAS and the military junta in Niger.
One of the stakeholders, former Emir Sanusi, speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday after his meeting with President Tinubu, said he went on the peace mission voluntarily, understanding his responsibility as a leader.
Sanusi emphasised that resolving the crisis requires efforts beyond just governments.
Earlier today, however, the Abdourahamane Tchiani-led junta, announced a 21-member cabinet, to be led by Ali Mahaman Liman Zeine, who was appointed as Prime Minister by the military.
Presidents of member-states attending the meeting include Julius Maada Bio of Sierra-Leone; Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau; Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast; Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; Macky Sall of Senegal; Patrice Talon of Benin and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.
The Gambia and Liberia are member-States being represented by their Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Also attending are Presidents Evariste Ndayishmiye of Burundi and Mohammed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.
