West African heads of government, in the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, have decided to establish a new committee for negotiations with the military junta in Niger.
This marks at least the third committee formed by ECOWAS to engage with the military rulers who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup last July. The committee, comprising the presidents of Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin, aims to secure a commitment to a swift democratic transition and the release of President Bazoum, his family, and associates.
According to the communique read by Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS Commission, the leaders intend to progressively ease sanctions on Niger based on the outcomes of the committee’s engagement with the junta. However, if the military rulers fail to comply, ECOWAS will maintain sanctions, including the use of force, and seek support from the African Union and other partners to enforce targeted sanctions on the junta and their associates.
The resolutions signify a shift away from the use of force and a renewed focus on dialogue with the junta to restore constitutional order in Niger. Since the coup, ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger, including trade restrictions and freezing of accounts.
In addition to the Niger situation, the ECOWAS leaders also resolved to urgently review efforts to activate a standby force for counterterrorism operations in areas affected by terrorist groups in the region. The leaders reiterated their commitment to eradicating terrorism and other threats to peace, security, and stability.
The ECOWAS Authority further directed the commission to explore the possibility of convening an extraordinary summit on unconstitutional changes of government to promote peace, security, and democracy in the region. The committee of Heads of State engaged with the Niger junta will play a crucial role in facilitating the transition roadmap and monitoring mechanisms in Niger.
