The Nigerien junta appears unimpressed by the apparent shift in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) position, transitioning from a rigid stance to a more flexible one. General Abdourahamane Tiani, in a televised address, definitively stated that the house arrest of Bazoum would persist for the foreseeable future.
Recall During a meeting held last Sunday in Abuja, the regional bloc presented the Nigerien head of state with the opportunity to evade sanctions by unconditionally releasing ousted Bazoum and his family, accompanied by a brief transitional period.
In the face of potential resistance from the Nigerien junta, ECOWAS has issued a warning of maintaining sanctions.
To mediate the situation, Benin President Patrice Talon has been appointed. However, international relations experts have expressed skepticism about the success of this mediation, citing the strained relationship between Benin and Niger.
