President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for an Extraordinary Summit with fellow West African leaders on Thursday, August 10, 2023, to address the ongoing crisis in the Republic of Niger.
ECOWAS had previously issued a 7-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, warning of potential sanctions and even military intervention. The Niger junta, which installed General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, remained defiant, refusing to yield to external pressure.
As the deadline lapsed, President Tinubu convened another summit to discuss the situation and recent developments in Niger. The summit will take place in Abuja, focusing on finding a resolution to the political turmoil.
Earlier efforts by ECOWAS, including a mission led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), aimed at mediating with the coupists, did not yield a meeting with the coup leader. The upcoming summit seeks to provide a platform for regional leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek a peaceful solution to the crisis.