The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a mediation team to visit Niger Republic and address the crisis resulting from the recent coup d’état and detention of President Mohammed Bazoum.
The decision was made during the 2023 First Virtual Extraordinary Session held from August 11 to 12, coordinated from the Abuja ECOWAS Parliament building.
The Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament presented the Niger situation report, focusing on the response of the heads of state and pertinent ECOWAS measures.
Subsequently, Members of Parliament were invited to share their input during the open floor discussion.
Chaired by Hon. Idris Wase, the 1st Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament from Nigeria, the committee will consult with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, before heading to Niger Republic.
Other notable members include Hon. Ibrahima from Togo, Hon. Edwin Melvin Snowe from Liberia, Hon. Foutoumatta Njai from Gambia, and Senator Ali Ndume from Nigeria.
Representatives from Senegal, Ghana, Cape Verde, Benin Republic, and Guinea Bissau are also part of the committee.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Sidie Mohammed Tunis, directed the committee to engage in dialogue with the ECOWAS Authority Chairman and formulate mediation strategies within the next two days.
Concerns were raised about potential instability, democratic setbacks, and security challenges due to the situation in Niger and neighboring countries, including the risk of armed militias and terrorist groups.
During the virtual session, Parliamentarians expressed support for diplomatic efforts over military intervention to resolve the crisis.
