It was July 30, 2023, merely four days after the coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, when ECOWAS issued a clear demand: the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) must reinstate the deposed president. The regional body simultaneously announced sanctions and hinted at the potential use of force.

The following day, this ultimatum was interpreted as a declaration of war by Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are also under military rule. This development made it impossible to view Niger’s relationship with ECOWAS in isolation, as it became intrinsically linked with the positions of Mali and Burkina Faso.

These three nations subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a concrete step towards their eventual departure from the sub-regional organization. While their official withdrawal from ECOWAS took effect in late January 2025, lines of communication between the two blocs remain open.

Lansana Kouyaté steps in as 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 lead negotiator with the Alliance.

“During the recent ECOWAS meeting held in Freetown on Saturday, July 18, 2026, 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 elaborated, “We are witnessing the beginning of a highly promising process, as both parties are genuinely aligned on the need to engage in dialogue.”

Kane highlighted Niger’s unique vulnerability, noting its 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 interdependencies, alongside the broader relationship between the AES and ECOWAS.

Romuald Wadagni’s efforts to ease tensions

Further positive signs for sustained dialogue include the appointment of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the current ECOWAS Chairman. Notably, he visited the AES countries in May 2024, shortly after his election. Additionally, the ascension of Romuald Wadagni to power in Bénin has been significant. Following his inauguration, Wadagni chose Niger as his first destination, preceding visits to Burkina Faso and Mali.

Pape Ibrahima Kane commented on these developments, stating, “They [Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Romuald Wadagni] are in a much stronger position than their predecessors, who faced widespread criticism. Moreover, a new team is set to take charge at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, poised to implement a program less constrained than the previous one.”

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

“It has always been the military who resisted dialogue. If these individuals are truly patriots, they must seek avenues to hand power back to civilians, because the world has evolved; it is no longer feasible for military forces to govern our states,” Mahamadou asserted.

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

The fate of Mohamed Bazoum

For Jérôme Pigné, president and founder of the Strategic Reflection Network on Sahel Security, a crucial question arises: how can the European Union uphold its values with Niger while simultaneously maintaining open channels of communication 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? This is a delicate balancing act, and currently, no one has found a definitive solution,” Pigné observed.

Pigné emphasized Niger’s historical role as a key partner for the EU, noting that the Union is presently “rethinking its cooperation framework with Niger, as well as with its neighbors.” He affirmed, “Dialogue is essential, and it is ongoing.”

In a study published last March, the German Foundation for Science and Politics (SWP), based in Berlin, proposed that “Europe should offer comprehensive support to current military regimes to stabilize their countries.”

Such European backing could involve enhancing military and security cooperation. “This might include sharing intelligence, providing military equipment, and investing in the training of security forces,” the study suggested.

According to the SWP, the EU also has a role in improving the economic situation in Niger and other Sahelian nations. The foundation advocates for continued political dialogue with regional political and social stakeholders, while cautioning that “Europe should not expect to induce a change in the behavior of the juntas.”