The events of July 30, 2023, just four days after the coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, saw ECOWAS demand the immediate reinstatement of the deposed president. The regional body announced a series of sanctions and issued a stark warning of potential military intervention.

This ultimatum was swiftly denounced by Mali and Burkina Faso, two nations also under military rule, as a declaration of war. From that moment, it became clear that Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS could not be viewed in isolation, but rather as intertwined with its allies, Mali and Burkina Faso. 

These three nations subsequently forged the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a pivotal step towards their eventual secession from the sub-regional organization. Their official withdrawal from ECOWAS was finalized in late January 2025. Despite this formal separation, diplomatic channels between the two blocs remain open.

Lansana Kouyaté takes on mediation role 

Pape Ibrahima Kane, a respected expert on international organizations, has confirmed that the AES countries have accepted the appointment of former Guinean Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyaté, as ECOWAS’s lead negotiator for discussions with the AES.  

“At the recent ECOWAS meeting held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Freetown, the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Birame Diop of Senegal, was mandated to prioritize regional security matters in the initial discussions,” Kane explained.    

He further noted, “We are witnessing the nascent stages of a highly promising process, as both parties appear genuinely aligned on the necessity of engaging in dialogue.”  

Kane highlighted Niger’s unique reliance on Nigeria and Bénin, both ECOWAS members, for its electricity supply and access to the vital Port of Cotonou. He expressed confidence that Lansana Kouyaté would thoroughly address these specific dependencies, alongside broader AES-ECOWAS relations, during negotiations, which is crucial for stability in the political Sahel.

Romuald Wadagni’s efforts to ease tensions 

Further positive developments for maintaining dialogue include the appointment of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the current ECOWAS Chairman. Following his election in May 2024, he promptly visited the AES countries. Concurrently, Romuald Wadagni’s ascension to power in Bénin has also contributed to de-escalation. He notably chose Niger as his first international visit after his inauguration, preceding trips to Burkina Faso and Mali. 

“Both Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Romuald Wadagni are in a significantly stronger position than their predecessors, such as Alassane Ouattara, Patrice Talon, and Macky Sall, who often faced accusations,” Pape Ibrahima Kane observed. “Moreover, a new team is poised to take charge at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, ready to implement a program less constrained than previous initiatives.” 

Sahanine Mahamadou, special advisor to Mohamed Bazoum focusing on NGOs and head of the customary, religious, social, and humanitarian affairs unit, maintains that ECOWAS has consistently sought dialogue with Niger.  

“It has always been the military leadership that resisted engaging in dialogue. If these individuals are truly patriots, they must pave the way for civilian governance, as the world has evolved, and military rule is no longer viable for managing our states,” he asserted.

Through these remarks, Sahanine Mahamadou implicitly advocates for the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum to power. The ousted Nigerian president has yet to sign a resignation letter. Last March, a European Parliament resolution overwhelmingly condemned the detention of Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, calling for their immediate release. This non-binding text provoked strong indignation in Niamey, which decried it as interference and paternalism.

The fate of Mohamed Bazoum

Jérôme Pigné, president and founder of the Strategic Reflection Network on Sahel Security, highlights a critical question: how can the EU uphold its values with Niger while simultaneously maintaining open dialogue with Niamey? 

“Undoubtedly, the unlawful detention of President Mohamed Bazoum presents a significant obstacle for the European Union when engaging with Niger. However, more broadly, Europeans must define their objectives. Is it to compromise on principles in the name of realpolitik? It’s a delicate balancing act, and currently, no one has found a definitive solution.”       

Jérôme Pigné emphasized Niger’s historical partnership with the EU, noting that the EU is currently “rethinking its cooperation framework with Niger and its neighboring states.” He affirmed, “Dialogue is essential, and it is ongoing.”  

A study published last March by the German Foundation for Science and Politics (SWP) in Berlin suggested that “Europe should offer extensive support to the current military regimes to stabilize their countries.”

European assistance could encompass enhanced military and security cooperation. “This could include providing intelligence, supplying military equipment, and investing in the training of security forces.”

According to the SWP, the EU can also play a role in improving the economic situation in Niger and other West Africa Sahel news nations. The foundation urged continued political dialogue with regional political and social stakeholders, while cautioning that “Europe should not expect to alter the behavior of the juntas directly.”