On July 30, 2023, just four days after the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS issued a clear demand: the CNSP (National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland) must reinstate the deposed president. The regional body announced a series of sanctions and did not rule out the use of force to achieve this objective.

The ultimatum from ECOWAS was swiftly met with a strong reaction from Mali and Burkina Faso, two nations also under military rule. They declared the ultimatum to be a declaration of war. This immediate solidarity underscored that Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS could not be viewed in isolation from its military-led neighbors. The three countries later solidified their bond by forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a significant move that signaled their eventual departure from the sub-regional organization. Their official withdrawal from ECOWAS took effect at the end of January 2025, yet channels of communication between the two blocs surprisingly remain open.

Lansana Kouyaté spearheads mediation

Pape Ibrahima Kane, an expert in international organizations, highlights a breakthrough: the Alliance of Sahel States has accepted the appointment of former Guinean Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté as ECOWAS’s lead negotiator. This development marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to foster Niger ECOWAS dialogue.

“During the recent ECOWAS meeting held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Freetown, the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Birame Diop of Senegal, was mandated to ensure that initial discussions revolve around regional security matters,” Kane explained.

He further added, “We are at the outset of a highly promising process because both parties are genuinely aligned on the need to engage in discussions.”

Kane also pointed out Niger’s unique reliance on Nigeria and Bénin, both ECOWAS members, for its electricity supply and access to the port of Cotonou. He believes that Lansana Kouyaté will meticulously examine this specific dynamic, along with the broader AES-ECOWAS relationship, during the negotiations. This strategic consideration is vital for any comprehensive resolution.

Romuald Wadagni’s outreach for de-escalation

Further positive momentum for sustained dialogue comes from the appointment of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the current ECOWAS Chairman. Notably, he visited the AES countries in May 2024, shortly after his election. Additionally, the recent assumption of power by Romuald Wadagni in Bénin has brought a fresh approach. He prioritized a visit to Niger immediately after his inauguration, before proceeding to Burkina Faso and Mali. This proactive engagement signals a shift in regional diplomacy, aiming to ease tensions and foster constructive discussions.

“Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Romuald Wadagni are in a significantly better position than their predecessors, such as Alassane Ouattara, Patrice Talon, and Macky Sall, who faced considerable criticism,” Pape Ibrahima Kane observed. “There’s also a new team poised to take charge at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, which is expected to implement a program less constrained by past approaches.”

Sahanine Mahamadou, special advisor to Mohamed Bazoum, responsible for NGOs and head of the customary, religious, social, and humanitarian affairs unit, maintains that ECOWAS has consistently sought dialogue with Niger. However, he argues, “It has always been the military leadership that has resisted dialogue. If these individuals are truly patriots, they must pave the way for civilian governance, as the world has evolved, and it is no longer feasible for military forces to manage our states.”

In making this statement, Sahanine Mahamadou implicitly advocates for the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum to power. The ousted Nigerien president has yet to sign his letter of resignation. Last March, the European Parliament passed a resolution, almost unanimously, condemning the detention of Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, calling for their immediate release. This non-binding text, however, provoked strong disapproval from Niamey, which denounced it as interference and paternalism.

The unresolved fate of Mohamed Bazoum

Jérôme Pigné, president and founder of the Strategic Reflection Network on Sahel Security, raises a critical question: how can the EU uphold its values regarding Niger while simultaneously maintaining open dialogue with Niamey? This delicate balance is central to the broader Niger ECOWAS dialogue.

“Evidently, the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum presents a significant obstacle for the European Union when engaging with Niger. However, more broadly, Europeans must define their objectives. Is it about compromising principles in the name of realpolitik? It’s a balancing act, and currently, no one has found a definitive solution,” Pigné stated.

Pigné emphasized Niger’s historical partnership with the EU, noting that the EU is currently “rethinking its cooperation framework with Niger and its neighbors.” Despite the challenges, he affirmed, “Dialogue is essential, and it is ongoing.”

In a study published last March, the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), a Berlin-based foundation, recommended that “Europe should offer comprehensive support to the current military regimes to stabilize their countries.”

This European support could manifest through enhanced military and security cooperation. The SWP suggested that this might include “providing intelligence, supplying military equipment, and investing in the training of security forces.”

Furthermore, the SWP proposed that the EU could contribute to improving the economic situation in Niger and other Sahelian nations. The foundation urged continued political dialogue with regional political and social actors, while cautioning that “Europe should not expect to compel the juntas to alter their behavior.”