On August 7th, 2023, the military regime in Niger, which came to power after a coup, informed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that they would not be able to host a joint mission of ECOWAS, the United Nations, and the African Union in Niamey regarding the Niger crisis.
The soldiers who carried out the coup on July 26th in Niger, which deposed elected President Mohamed Bazoum, are refusing to meet with a tripartite mission consisting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations (UN), and the African Union (AU).
August 8th, 2023, a delegation of good offices was scheduled to arrive in Niamey. However, a confidential letter signed by the Secretary General of the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 7th revealed that the junta is not in favor of the tripartite mission’s arrival.
The junta has responded to the arrival of this mission by stating in their letter that, due to the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, they have closed the land and air borders of Niger with the Member States. They emphasize that a mission conducted via special flight would necessitate a specific exemption.
The junta explains that the populations are angry at the sanctions, which “does not allow the said delegation to be welcomed in the serenity and security required”.
The diplomats remain unconvinced by these arguments and view them as a rejection of dialogue from the coup leaders towards all emissaries. One diplomat recalls an incident involving the Sultan of Sokoto and former Nigerian head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was dispatched by ECOWAS.