ECOWAS Bloc Threatens Military Action as U.S. and Niger Work to Find Peaceful Solution to Coup Crisis

On Monday, officials from the United States and Niger met in Niamey, the country’s capital, to discuss the recent military coup in Niger. The U.S. ally and top Nigerien general involved in the coup declined to guarantee the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum, who is now being detained by the rebels, leaving some U.S. officials concerned.

Acting Secretary of State Victoria Nuland traveled to Niger on Monday with the hope of meeting with Bazoum and the new self-proclaimed leader of Niger, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. However, Nuland instead met with the junta’s chief of defense, Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou.

On Thursday, the leaders of a group of West African nations met for an emergency summit to decide on the bloc’s next move. The military junta had previously announced a new set of leaders, including interim Prime Minister Lamine Zeine Ali Mahamane, who would also act as the Minister of […].

The leaders of the ECOWAS bloc have threatened to use military force, but have made it clear they prefer diplomacy to restore democracy in Niger. The U.S. and Niger are continuing to work together to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.