A joint delegation representing the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations is scheduled to travel to Niger on Tuesday to engage in discussions with leaders of the recent coup.
the delegation is expected to arrive in Niamey, the capital of Niger, within the next few hours. Their primary objective is to hold dialogues with the rebel leaders on behalf of the global community.
This diplomatic initiative aims to facilitate the reestablishment of the dismantled institutions within the country, as outlined by the broadcaster’s account.
Notably, the Nigerian government has conveyed its readiness to contribute over half of the proposed 25,000 troops for a potential intervention in Niger, according to statements attributed to a Nigerian official.
Furthermore, the military forces of Senegal, Benin, and Cote d’Ivoire have also been mentioned as potential participants in this endeavor.
The recent events stem from the coup that unfolded in Niger on July 26, 2023. During the coup, the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, and General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the commander of the presidential guard, declared himself as the leader of a new military junta.
Following this takeover, the presidential guard enacted border closures, suspended state institutions, and enforced a curfew. This coup marks the fifth military takeover in Niger since the country’s independence from France in 1960 and the first such incident since 2010.
As of August 6, an estimated 57,000 soldiers were aligned with the coup plotters, while the ECOWAS coalition amassed a force of 245,000 troops. Notably, France has declined involvement in the situation.
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