Breaking: ECOWAS Delegation Speaks on Possible Military Action in Niger

• President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was deposed last week by the military in a coup d'état that has got the world talking
• On Sunday, heads of state of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed severe sanctions on Niger
• A special delegation of ECOWAS led by Nigeria's Babagana Kingibe met with the leaders of Libya and Algeria over the crisis in Niger Republic

Niamey, Niger Republic - A delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, who spearheaded the engagement with the leaders of Libya and Algeria concerning the Niger crisis, has expressed optimism that the talks will avert a possible military intervention.

Kingibe was the Special Envoy to Lake Chad during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

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"I'm writing as a hostage": Ousted Niger President begs US, others

Niger: ECOWAS' delegation doesn't prioritise war

A report on Friday, August 4, by The Punch quotes the septuagenarian as saying:

“We hope to find a diplomatic solution.

"Nobody wants to go to war, especially with neighbourly, brotherly people across the border with whom we share a common language, culture and religion.”

Furthermore, Kingibe said talking with Libya and Algeria, two countries bordering Niger to the North, will stimulate the solidarity required for peaceful talks, This Day newspaper also reported.

His words:

“Of course, this kind of situation requires solidarity. It requires coordination with all parties that are relevant to the situation.

“In that regard, Libya and Algeria are also very important neighbours of Niger.

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Coup d'état: Atiku cautions ECOWAS, Tinubu against military intervention in Niger, gives reason

"So, my mission is to go there with a message from President Tinubu. To brief them on the ECOWAS position and solicit solidarity and cooperation.”

Niger coup leaders to recall Ambassador from Nigeria, details emerge

In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that the General Abdourahmane Tchiani-led military junta in the Republic of Niger is planning on recalling the Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria after failing to come to terms with the delegation of ECOWAS on the return of democracy in Niger.

The junta is also planning to recall Nigerien Ambassadors to Togo, the United States, and France as it pushes to evict French and US troops in the country while declaring an end to all Memorandum of Understanding between France and the Republic of Niger.

Ousted Niger President begs US, others

Legit.ng also reported that President Mohamed Bazoum, the ousted constitutional leader of the Republic of Niger, cried out to the United States and the "international community" to come to the aid of the country and restore constitutional order.

The Nigerien President, who was overthrown in a coup last week by a military junta, said he was "writing as a hostage" in an opinion article.

Source: Legit.ng