Niger says it cannot receive West African delegation.

The Niger military government was unable to host the ECOWAS delegation for "security" reasons, as tensions between the two sides escalated.

"The context of public anger and unrest following sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made security conditions unsuitable for receiving the bloc's delegation," the Niger Foreign Ministry said in a letter dated August 7 to ECOWAS representatives in Niamey.

ECOWAS imposed trade and financial sanctions on Niamey after the National Guard arrested and placed Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest at his residence on July 26. General Abdourahamane Tiani, commander of the National Guard, was chosen as the new leader of the military government.

ECOWAS also issued an ultimatum, demanding that Niger hand over power to Mr. Bazoum by the night of August 6th, warning of possible military intervention. The deadline passed without any military action. The bloc plans to hold a summit on the situation in Niger on August 10th in Nigeria and intends to send a delegation to Niamey on August 8th.

"Postponing the trip to Niamey, as well as rearranging certain aspects of the delegation's schedule, was necessary," according to a letter from Niger's military government. "Meetings with certain individuals could not take place for security reasons, given the threats against Niger."

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ECOWAS comprises 15 African countries: Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo.

Mali and Burkina Faso have declared that any military intervention in Niger would amount to a declaration of war against them. Both countries are currently led by military governments and have had their membership suspended by ECOWAS following coups.

The US and European countries believe there is still an opportunity to end the coup in Niger through diplomatic means. France said today that restoring constitutional order in Niger depends on ECOWAS. A source familiar with the matter said ECOWAS has not yet drawn up plans for immediate military intervention in Niger, adding that the path to dialogue remains open.

Location of Niger and its neighbors. Graphic: AFP

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