A delegation from the junta in Niger was received in Conakry by the Guinean military authorities, from whom it asked for “reinforced support to face the challenges to come”, while the military regime in Niamey is under threat from western intervention. African, Guinean public television reported. The Guinean head of state, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, whose regime also emerged from a coup in September 2021, met on Saturday in Conakry with this delegation led by General Moussa Salaou Barmou, reported on Saturday evening on Guinean television.
Conakry wants ECOWAS to reconsider its position
General Barmou said he came “to thank the Guinean authorities for their support for the CNSP (National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, which took power in Niger) during these difficult times that Niger is going through”. “We were very worried (with) the people of Niger following certain drifts in terms of security, drifts (also due) to problems that revolve around endemic corruption. It was therefore important that, for the safeguard of our nation , we can take our responsibilities in order to safeguard our party,” he added, referring to the July 26 overthrow of Nigerien President-elect Mohamed Bazoum.
In a statement at the end of July, Conakry had “expressed its disagreement with the sanctions recommended (against Niamey) by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) including military intervention”. Conakry had also “enjoined ECOWAS to reconsider its position”. Mali and Burkina Faso, also led by soldiers, have similarly displayed their solidarity with Niamey.
The Nigerian delegation’s Saturday visit comes two days after an ECOWAS summit in Abuja, where leaders said they favor resolving the crisis through diplomatic channels, while ordering the deployment of a “standby force” as a last step. spring to restore Mohamed Bazoum in his functions. A meeting originally scheduled for Saturday in Ghana of the ECOWAS chiefs of staff, to inform their leaders “of the best options” to follow up on their decision to deploy their “standby force”, has been postponed indefinitely.
At the same time, a mediation of Nigerian religious leaders met on Saturday in Niamey with members of the military regime. Guinean junta leader Colonel Doumbouya, who was sworn in as president after overthrowing Alpha Condé, has pledged to return power to elected civilians within two years from January 2023.