On July 26, Niger's presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The guard's commander, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.

War in Africa Not in Interests of Nigeria, Entire Continent: Nigerian President

09:49, 27 August 2023

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Nigerian President and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bola Tinubu said on Sunday that a full-scale war on the African continent is not in the interests of his country and the entire region, adding, however, that democracy must be defended.

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Tinubu added that ECOWAS seeks to resolve the current situation in Niger peacefully through diplomacy. At the same time, he noted that ECOWAS is ready for all possible options.

"War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defense of democracy is sacrosanct," Tinubu said in a statement, disseminated by his Special Adviser Ajuri Ngelale.

Situation in Niger After Military Coup

Niger's Chief of Staff Orders Armed Forces on Maximum Alert

26 August 2023, 12:28

A coup took place in Niger on July 26. President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Following the coup, ECOWAS suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened invasion if the country's military leaders do not reinstate Bazoum.

On August 18, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah said that ECOWAS general staff chiefs had agreed on a date for the beginning of military intervention, but would not make it public.