Niger and ECOWAS: breaking the diplomatic deadlock

Three years after the coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military leadership continues to face strained relations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which condemned the power seizure and imposed sanctions.

ECOWAS initially demanded the reinstatement of Bazoum and threatened military intervention. The ultimatum, however, was perceived as a declaration of war by neighboring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso. This forced the Niger junta to reconsider its approach, as isolating Niamey from regional partners proved unsustainable.

By early 2025, all three countries had formally withdrawn from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marking a definitive break from the bloc. Yet despite this rupture, fragile lines of communication persist between the two sides.

Mediation efforts gain momentum

In a rare sign of progress, ECOWAS recently appointed former Guinean Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté as chief negotiator to reopen dialogue with the AES. At a summit in Freetown on July 18, 2026, ECOWAS instructed its new Commission President, Senegal’s Birame Diop, to prioritize regional security discussions.

Pape Ibrahima Kane, an expert in international organizations, noted: “This is the beginning of a promising process. Both sides are aligned and ready to engage in meaningful talks.”

Kane emphasized a key challenge: Niger’s reliance on Nigeria and Benin—both ECOWAS members—for electricity and access to the Port of Cotonou. He believes Kouyaté will address these dependencies as part of broader negotiations between the AES and ECOWAS.

Fresh leadership opens new doors

Diplomatic momentum has also been fueled by leadership changes in the region. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited AES countries shortly after taking office in May 2024. Meanwhile, Benin’s new President Romuald Wadagni prioritized Niger in his first official tour, signaling a willingness to rebuild trust.

Pape Ibrahima Kane commented: “Faye and Wadagni represent a fresh start compared to previous leaders accused of bias. The incoming ECOWAS team in Abuja is also expected to adopt a more balanced agenda.”

The fate of Mohamed Bazoum remains a hurdle

While dialogue advances, the detention of former President Mohamed Bazoum continues to strain relations. His advisors insist the ECOWAS bloc has consistently sought dialogue, but the military government has resisted. Sahanine Mahamadou, Bazoum’s special advisor, argued: “True patriots would prioritize a return to civilian rule. Military governance is no longer viable in our states.”

Bazoum has yet to sign a resignation letter, and a March resolution by the European Parliament condemned his detention almost unanimously, urging his immediate release. Niamey dismissed the resolution as interference, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue.

Balancing principles and pragmatism in EU-Niger relations

Jérôme Pigné, founder of the Sahel Strategic Reflection Network, highlighted the EU’s dilemma: how to uphold democratic values while maintaining dialogue with Niamey. He stated: “Bazoum’s detention is a major obstacle, but the EU must clarify its priorities. Is realpolitik worth abandoning core principles? It’s a high-wire act, and no one has found the right balance yet.”

Pigné noted that Niger has long been a key EU partner, and Brussels is reassessing its cooperation framework across the Sahel. “Dialogue is essential and ongoing,” he said. A recent study by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) suggested the EU could offer substantial support to stabilize the region—including intelligence sharing, military equipment, and security training—while continuing political engagement with local actors. “Expecting juntas to change their behavior is unrealistic,” the report concluded.