Niger says it cannot receive West African delegation

Niger's military government is unable to receive the ECOWAS delegation for "security" reasons, as tensions between the two sides rise.

"The context of public anger and unrest following the imposition of sanctions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made security conditions untenable for hosting the delegation of the bloc," Niger's Foreign Ministry said in a letter dated August 7 to the ECOWAS representative in Niamey.

ECOWAS has imposed trade and financial sanctions on Niamey after the military seized Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and placed him under house arrest on July 26. General Abdourahamane Tiani, commander of the military, was chosen as the new head of the military government.

ECOWAS also issued an ultimatum, demanding that Niger hand over power to Mr. Bazoum by the night of August 6, warning that it could intervene militarily in the country. The deadline has passed without any military action. The bloc is scheduled to hold a summit on the situation in Niger on August 10 in Nigeria and wants to send a delegation to Niamey on August 8.

"The postponement of the mission to Niamey, as well as the rescheduling of certain aspects of the delegation's schedule, was necessary," according to a letter from Niger's military authorities. "Meetings with certain individuals could not take place for security reasons, in the context of threats against Niger."

Pro-coup protesters hold Niger flags during a demonstration in the capital Niamey on August 3. Photo: AFP — Pro-coup protesters hold Niger flags during a demonstration in the capital Niamey on August 3. Photo: *AFP*

ECOWAS consists of 15 African countries: Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.

Mali and Burkina Faso have said any military intervention in Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against them. The two countries are currently under military rule and were suspended from ECOWAS following coups.

The United States and European countries say there is still a chance to end the coup in Niger through diplomatic means. France said today that it was up to ECOWAS to restore constitutional order in Niger. A source familiar with the matter said ECOWAS was not planning immediate military intervention in Niger, adding that the path to dialogue remained open.