ECOWAS: What we are doing is finding peaceful ways to resolve the Niger crisis

  The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that it is making efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Niger crisis and to restore the rule of the Constitution in the country. This was said by the Head of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, adding that the regional community will continue its efforts to protect the interests and economic and social well-being of the citizens of the landlocked West African country. He said this in front of journalists in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja and emphasized that the aspirations of the people of Niger "can only be achieved through democratic means and participatory governance." The association with 15 members has been engaging the government of Niger in its negotiations following the military coup that removed him from power and detained President Mohamed Bazoum at the end of last July.

Niger's military leaders say they will stand firm in the face of foreign military intervention. But some West African countries like Mali and Burkina Faso as well as countries like Algeria, oppose any kind of military intervention in Niger. The governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have already sent warplanes and helicopters to Niger to show their solidarity with the military government and as the two countries' response to "any form of aggression against Niger." On Tuesday, ECOWAS special envoy Abdulsalami Abubakar told journalists that a diplomatic solution to the crisis could be reached as talks with the military government had shown positive signs.