The Latest Breaking News from ECOWAS

No, this video is not of an African leader condemning the ECOWAS bloc's Niger response

A video viewed hundreds of thousands of times purports to show an African leader violently criticising ECOWAS for imposing a strict ultimatum on the Niger junta. In reality, this video dates from 2022 and shows a Gambian leader protesting against ECOWAS’ intention to create an “anti-coup” unit.

France 24 · Aug 9, 2023

Diplomacy centre stage on eve of West Africa summit on Niger

West African nations and the United States gave priority to diplomacy to end the crisis in coup-stricken Niger ahead of a regional summit on Thursday to consider options that include military intervention.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 9, 2023

Niger's military junta, 2 weeks in, digs in with cabinet appointments and rejects talks

As a military junta in Niger marked two weeks in power Wednesday, its leaders are appointing a government and rejecting calls for negotiation in what analysts described as an attempt to entrench their power and show that they’re serious about governing the West Africa country in the face of an…

The Independent UK · Aug 9, 2023

Niger coup leaders rebuff diplomatic overtures from AU, ECOWAS

West African leaders expected to meet on Thursday to discuss response to generals who have deposed Niger’s president.

Al Jazeera · Aug 8, 2023

Niger coup: why an Ecowas-led military intervention is unlikely

Hopes are fading for a quick resolution of Niger’s coup or the potential use of force by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) to free Nigerien president Mohammed Bazoum and restore him to power.

The Conversation · Aug 8, 2023

These videos do not show foreign troops intervening in Niger

Following the July 26 military coup in Niger, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum demanding a return to constitutional order. After the ultimatum expired on the evening of August 6, Nigeriens feared an imminent military intervention. In this context, several misleading videos began to circulate…

France 24 · Aug 8, 2023

Niger coup leaders say country not safe for West African mediators

The military junta in Niger on Tuesday said it cannot host a delegation from the West African regional bloc Ecowas, citing security concerns due to what it called widespread anger among the country's population following sanctions imposed by the bloc.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 8, 2023

Niger's neighbors and the UN seek to deescalate tensions with last-minute diplomacy

Nigeriens face deepening uncertainty about whether a regional bloc will follow through on its threat to use military force to try to reinstall ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, nearly two weeks after mutinous soldiers overthrew the democratically elected leader

The Independent UK · Aug 8, 2023

ECOWAS chairman says diplomacy is the ‘best way forward’ on Niger crisis

Nigerian President and current ECOWAS chair Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday that diplomacy is the ‘best way forward’ to resolve the crisis in coup-hit Niger. The statement came after the junta in Niamey said it could not host a mission from the West African bloc for security reasons. US Secretary…

France 24 · Aug 8, 2023

Explainer: What’s behind the Niger coup?

After last week’s surprise coup in Niger, the Russian military group Wagner is taking advantage of the chaos and anti-French sentiment, says journalist Garé Amadou in Niamey, while ordinary Nigeriens are preparing for the worst

The Guardian - UK · Aug 8, 2023