ECOWAS delegation meets with Niger’s deposed leader Bazoum

A delegation fielded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met Saturday August 19 with the ousted President of Niger Mohammed Bazoum, as the regional organization pushes to restore a civilian leadership in the West African country.

Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar headed the delegation that met with Bazoum in the presence of the Junta-appointed Prime Minister Ali Zaine.

“We met Bazoum, we heard from him what was done to him. He told us about the problems he’s facing,” said A. Abubakar.

Abubakar said the meeting opened discussions that will lead to a resolution to the crisis.

The encounter came same day junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani announced a three-year transition that he himself will head. “Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” he added.

The military leader also indicated any attack on the country would not be easy for those involved, that is ECOWAS.

“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think,” he stressed.

ECOWAS defense chiefs met in Accra-Ghana last week to detail a potential military operation to restore Bazoum if ongoing negotiations with coup leaders fail.