Within the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the optimism expressed by Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the Prime Minister of Niger appointed by the junta, regarding a negotiated solution between the Nigerien coup leaders and ECOWAS following the coup on July 26th, appears to lack consensus.
At the helm of the ECOWAS Commission, there is currently a divergence in enthusiasm compared to the optimism displayed by the Prime Minister of Niger, appointed by the junta, regarding the swift resolution of the crisis through negotiation.
Earlier this week, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine stated that his country had “high hopes of reaching an agreement within a few days” with ECOWAS. However, an insider revealed that there are no imminent negotiations underway, emphasizing, “Our demands remain unchanged: the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum and a return to constitutional order.”
What ECOWAS vehemently opposes is any form of transitional period during which the Niamey coup leaders would consolidate their power.
ECOWAS also rejects the proposal for a six-month transition period put forward by Algeria.