One month following the military coup against President Bazoum, a delegation dispatched by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) to Niamey presented its findings to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on August 24th, who listened attentively. The junta’s only apparent concession at this point is “discussion on various points, excluding the return of President Mohamed Bazoum”.
How are These Statements Being Perceived Within ECOWAS?
Among non-excluded member states, two countries are notably receptive to the junta’s declarations. Cape Verde, for instance, has openly opposed a potential military intervention against the Niamey junta in favor of a return to constitutional order. A Cape Verdean diplomat questions, “If President Mohamed Bazoum is released, and an acceptable transitional process is established as a basis for discussion, why not?” However, this stance remains relatively solitary.
The “Negotiations” Option Still Considered
The ECOWAS Commission underscores that while the “negotiations” option is not discarded, the possibility of “potential military intervention against the coup plotters” remains on the table. Amid this discourse, countries are hoping to see Nigerian President Bola Tinubu exhibit more resolute determination than ever.
“Nigeria holds the leadership for a potential intervention. It houses the secretariat of the ECOWAS heads of state, and like others, it needs to be more assertive,” confides a Ghanaian diplomat. Another diplomat adds, “Without Nigeria, there can be no intervention against the junta. Time is passing. Bola Tinubu has made commitments, he must honor them”.
As the ECOWAS grapples with intricate decisions in the face of the Niger crisis, the dynamics between diplomatic negotiation and potential military involvement underscore the complexity of regional responses to a coup. The pivotal role of Nigeria in any prospective intervention places significant responsibility on its leadership, setting the stage for critical deliberations in the days ahead.