Niger Republic Cuts Ties with Nigeria as ECOWAS Peace Talks Fail

The Niger Republic, under the leadership of Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has decided to cut off ties with Nigeria following the collapse of peace talks conducted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in an attempt to negotiate a return to civilian rule.

President Bola Tinubu responded to the situation by sending a delegation, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), to meet with the coup leaders in Niger.

Peace Talk

In an effort to address the political crisis in Niger, ECOWAS dispatched two missions abroad, including the one led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s team.

President Tinubu charged both delegations to engage all stakeholders with a focus on achieving a conclusive and amicable resolution to the situation, prioritizing African peace and development over geopolitical interests of other nations.

7 days Ultimatum

However, the delegation only met with representatives of the junta, and ECOWAS’ seven-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum went unheeded, leading to the drastic decision by the Niger Republic.

As a result, Niger has severed diplomatic ties not only with Nigeria but also with Togo, France (its former colonizer), and the United States.

Back story

The military junta, led by Tchiani, detained President Mohamed Bazoum in a palace coup on July 26, 2023, and Tchiani subsequently declared himself the Head of State.

The situation remains tense, and the world is closely monitoring the developments in Niger after the breakdown of peace talks.