The crisis in Niger has continued to dominate discourse across the political spheres and efforts of the regional bloc ECOWAS is keenly followed by all.

Among the latest development is the suspension of Niger by the African Union AU, leaning towards actions of the subregional bloc ECOWAS.

The Economic Community of West African States has been trying to negotiate with the junta but says it is ready to send troops into Niger to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

Recall, the Junta leaders in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso have all pledged support and stationed fighter jets in Niger to resist any military intervention by ECOWAS.

The AU for its part, said it strongly rejected any external interference in the situation by any actor or country outside of Africa, including engagements by private military companies – a likely reference to Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is active in neighbouring Mali.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin who died in a plane crash on Wednesday had welcomed the coup and on Monday posted a video in which he appeared to be in Africa, promoting Wagner’s activities there.

Our focus will be on the decision of the Junta to run the country for 3 years before handing over power to a democratically elected government.
How acceptable is this to ECOWAS? What is then the fate of the ousted leader Mohammed Bazoum which ECOWAS had mentioned in its meetings that he is still the recognized head of state?

Let’s bring on board our guests for this edition: Joe Ogbu is a Lagos-based Security consultant and Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu is a retired Commissioner of Police in Nigeria.