A delegation from the West African organisation arrived in Niger Republic on Saturday for discussions with the military junta that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, according to sources close to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The regional body decided to mobilise a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger following the detention of Bazoum by generals on 26th July.
The ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), arrived in Niger, according to the country’s ruling military council, a day after the military commanders of the bloc declared they were prepared to intervene to reinstate Bazoum.
Earlier ECOWAS mission headed by Abubakar attempted to meet Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, earlier this month but was unsuccessful.
According to a source close to the most recent delegation, it will see Bazoum and deliver “a message of firmness” to the army officers.
ECOWAS defence officials convened last Thursday and Friday in Accra, Ghana, to finalise plans for a future military action to retake Bazoum if continuing talks with the coup leaders fall down.
After the military chiefs’ meeting on Friday, an ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah said: “We are ready to go any time the order is given.
“The D-Day is also decided”.
