The Union of West African States seeks to use every diplomatic tool in order to restore constitutional order to Niger.

A delegation of ECOWAS led by the President of Nigeria, Abdulsalami Abubakar, traveled to Niger the day before yesterday with the aim of de-escalating the crisis caused by the country’s military leadership after the July 26 coup.

The Union is calling on the Junta to return power to the people and the elected President Mohamed Bazum, stressing that it will not be negotiating with the coup plotters forever.

Earlier, the UN envoy, Leonardo Simao, had a meeting with representatives of the Junta, as part of the dialogue to end the political crisis.

The seizure of power by the Armed Forces was directly and vigorously supported by the brave people and, in this way, the models of security and bad governance that brought injustice and corruption are rejected, said the head of the Junta, General Abdurrahman Tsiani.

The Niger Junta has made it clear that the transition of power to the people will not exceed three years. It further warned ECOWAS that if it decides to send troops, then there will not be an easy walk as they believe.

CEDEAO is preparing to attack Niger by creating an occupation Army in collaboration with a foreign Army, General Ciani added, without specifying which country’s Armed Forces he was referring to. He also denounced once again the illegal and inhumane sanctions of the regional organization.

Since July 30, Niger has been under heavy economic and trade sanctions by ECOWAS, which is demanding the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The latter remains a prisoner of the military after the July 26 coup.

Source: Euronews

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