Niger coup: Finally, ECOWAS delegation meets detained President Bazoum, coup leader Tchiani

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’ delegation has met with Niger Republic’s detained President Mohamed Bazoum and coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani in the capital, Niamey on Saturday.

The delegation was led by Nigeria’s former military leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and ECOWAS commission President Omar Touray.

The coup leader’s acceptance of the mission signals a potential willingness to negotiate after ECOWAS doubled down on its threat to use force as a last resort to restore democracy, saying an undisclosed “D-Day” had been agreed for possible military intervention.

The ECOWAS delegation, during the previous visit, were snubbed when the junta refused to receive them.