On July 30, 2023, just four days after the coup d’état against President Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS issued a clear directive to the CNSP, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the ousted president. The regional organization subsequently announced a series of sanctions and did not rule out the use of force to restore constitutional order.

This ultimatum from ECOWAS was swiftly interpreted as a declaration of war by Mali and Burkina Faso the following day. These two nations, also under military rule, immediately signaled their solidarity with Niger. Consequently, it became evident that Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS could not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a broader dynamic involving Mali and Burkina Faso.

These three nations later formalized their alliance, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a concrete step towards their eventual withdrawal from the sub-regional organization. The official departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS was confirmed at the end of January 2025. Despite this formal separation, diplomatic channels between the two blocs remain open, hinting at a potential for reconciliation in the political Sahel.

Lansana Kouyaté emerges as key mediator

Pape Ibrahima Kane, an expert in international organizations, confirms that the AES member states have accepted the appointment of former Guinean Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyaté, as ECOWAS’s principal negotiator for discussions with the Alliance. This development offers a promising pathway for de-escalation in the security Sahel.

“At the recent ECOWAS meeting held last Saturday (July 18, 2026) in Freetown, the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Birame Diop of Senegal, was mandated to ensure that initial discussions primarily revolve around regional security concerns,” Kane elaborated.

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

The specialist highlighted Niger’s unique dependency on Nigeria and Bénin, both ECOWAS members, for its electricity supply and access to the vital Port of Cotonou. Pape Ibrahima Kane is confident that Lansana Kouyaté will thoroughly address these specific interdependencies, alongside other AES concerns, within the framework of ECOWAS negotiations.

Romuald Wadagni’s efforts to ease tensions

Further positive signs for sustained dialogue come with the appointment of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the current President of ECOWAS. Notably, Faye had already visited the AES countries in May 2024, shortly after his election. Additionally, the recent ascent of Romuald Wadagni to power in Bénin has brought fresh impetus. Wadagni chose Niger as his first international destination post-inauguration, before extending his visits to Burkina Faso and Mali. Such engagements are crucial for fostering West Africa Sahel news of cooperation.

“These leaders [Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Romuald Wadagni] are in a significantly stronger position than their predecessors—Alassane Ouattara, Patrice Talon, and Macky Sall—who often faced accusations,” remarked Pape Ibrahima Kane. He added, “A new team is also preparing to take charge at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, poised to roll out a program that will be less rigid than previous approaches.”

Sahanine Mahamadou, special advisor to Mohamed Bazoum, responsible for NGOs and head of the customary, religious, social, and humanitarian affairs unit, asserts that ECOWAS has consistently sought dialogue with Niger. He points out that the reluctance has primarily come from the military authorities.

“If these individuals are genuinely patriotic, they should actively seek avenues to transition power to civilians, because the world has progressed; it is no longer feasible for military forces to govern our states,” Mahamadou stated, implicitly advocating for the return of Mohamed Bazoum to power. The deposed Nigerien president has yet to sign a letter of resignation. Last March, a European Parliament resolution overwhelmingly condemned the detention of Mohamed Bazoum and his spouse, calling for their immediate release. This non-binding text provoked strong indignation in Niamey, which denounced it as interference and paternalism.

The fate of Mohamed Bazoum and Europe’s dilemma

For Jérôme Pigné, president and founder of the Strategic Reflection Network on Sahel Security, a critical question arises: how can the European Union uphold its values with Niger while simultaneously maintaining constructive dialogue with Niamey?

“Evidently, the issue of President Mohamed Bazoum’s unlawful detention remains a significant impediment for the European Union when engaging with Niger. However, more broadly, Europeans must define their objectives. Is it to compromise on principles for the sake of realpolitik? It’s a delicate balancing act, and currently, no definitive solution has emerged,” Pigné observed.

Jérôme Pigné emphasized Niger’s historical partnership with the EU, noting that the Union is currently “revisiting its cooperation framework with Niger, as well as with its neighbors.” He affirmed, “Dialogue is essential, and it is ongoing.”

A study published last March by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), based in Berlin, suggested that “Europe should offer comprehensive support to the current military regimes to stabilize their countries.” This includes strengthening military and security cooperation. “Providing intelligence, supplying military equipment, and investing in the training of security forces could also be integral components,” the report indicated for enhancing security in the Sahel.

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