A few hours after the expiry of the ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Nigerien putschists, ECOWAS convened a second summit of heads of state on the situation in Niger on August 10th.
On August 7th, 2023, the Malian Armed Forces (Fama) also announced that Burkina Faso and Mali will send a delegation to Niamey, to “show the solidarity of the two countries to the brotherly people of Niger”.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urgently convened a new summit of Heads of State and Government on Thursday, August 10th in Abuja, on the situation in Niger.
The ultimatum for the putschists to return power and reinstate Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown on July 26, has ended. The result is expected to be announced in a few days.
This will be the second summit of heads of state convened in less than a fortnight, after that of July 30th. According to RFI sources, member countries were informed by a message from the ECOWAS commission.
This is a face-to-face summit, planned in Abuja, at the home of the Nigerian Bola Tinubu, the current president of the institution.
On August 5th, the Nigerian Senate also said it was not in favor of the intervention. To this must be added the criticisms and attacks against ECOWAS, with press releases in Niamey.
A few individuals in positions of authority have disclosed that intervention is already decided upon, obviating the need for another summit. The response plan exists, but it has not yet been put into action. Additionally, the force’s leadership is awaiting the command from ECOWAS.