By Patience Santos

The military junta led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani in the Republic of Niger is planning to recall the Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria due to a failure to reach an agreement with the delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the restoration of democracy in Niger.

The junta is also considering recalling Nigerien Ambassadors from Togo, the United States, and France, while pushing for the eviction of French and US troops from the country. Furthermore, they have declared an end to all Memorandum of Understanding between France and Niger.

Sources within the defense establishment confirmed these developments after an ongoing meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey.

The current political crisis in Niger prompted ECOWAS to send two missions to the country. One delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), engaged with the coup leaders and other parties involved in the impasse, while another delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe held talks with leaders from Libya and Algeria concerning the Niger crisis.

President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS’ Authority of Heads of State and Government, dispatched both teams on the mission. The goal was to expedite a resolution to the crisis and restore peace and democracy in Niger.

General Abubakar’s team was tasked with conveying the displeasure of ECOWAS leaders regarding the developments in Niger and urging the coupists to relinquish power to an elected President. On the other hand, Ambassador Kingibe’s mission aimed to garner solidarity and cooperation from Libya and Algeria to help in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Both leaders expressed optimism about the outcome of their assignments and hoped that diplomatic efforts would prevent any need for military intervention.

The situation remains delicate, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in Niger to ensure stability and the eventual return to democratic governance.