ECOWAS delegation arrives in Niamey for new diplomatic mediation in Niger
A West African delegation arrived in Niamey on Saturday in an attempt to mediate with the military leaders who seized power in Niger, according to sources close to the new military regime, the ECOWAS force and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, according to Agerpres, quoting AFP and Reuters.
The plane landed at 1:00 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT), carrying a delegation of emissaries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a day after the regional organisation announced it was ready to engage in a military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The delegation is led by former Nigerian President Abdulsalami Abubakar, according to the communication cell of the National Council for the Preservation of the Homeland (CNSP), which seized power following the military coup on July 26.
Abubakar also travelled to Niamey on behalf of ECOWAS on August 3, but did not meet with either the new leader of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tiani, or the ousted president.
According to a source close to ECOWAS, the current delegation wants to deliver a "message of firmness" to the military in Niamey and to meet with President Bazoum, who is still being held captive.
