Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has announced its endorsement of the diplomatic initiatives by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and the African Union, aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the recent crisis in Niger, which was triggered by the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in a military coup just last week.
Following the military takeover on July 26, where incumbent President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who had served as the head of the Presidential Guard since 2011, declared himself as the new leader of Niger just two days later. President Bazoum has been detained by the military at his official residence in the capital city of Niamey.
In response to the evolving situation in Niger, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on its official website on Saturday, expressing its stance on the matter.
“In light of the recent attempt to depose democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, we stand in support of Ecowas and the African Union in their efforts to forge a political resolution that upholds stability, peace, and democratic principles within Niger,” the ministry conveyed.
On a separate note, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security within Ecowas, disclosed on Friday that defense leaders from West African nations had formulated a contingency plan for a potential military intervention in Niger should the junta fail to reinstate the legitimately elected president.
Earlier, during an emergency summit convened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on July 30, Ecowas conveyed a stern warning that unless the junta relinquishes control, the regional bloc would employ “all necessary measures,” potentially including the use of force, to reinstate constitutional order. The summit also introduced an array of economic sanctions against Niger, including the suspension of financial transactions between Ecowas members and Niger, as well as the closure of land and air connections to the country.
The latest developments reveal that an Ecowas delegation, after an unsuccessful attempt to engage with the junta’s leadership, departed Niamey on Friday. Their efforts to initiate talks that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis and the reinstatement of President Bazoum were thwarted, as they were denied access to both the junta leadership and President Bazoum, who is currently held within the confines of the Presidential Palace.