A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by former Nigerian leader, AbdulSalami Abubakar has arrived in Niger Republics capital, Niamey.
The delegation arrived a day after the blocs defence chiefs said they were ready to intervene to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Nigers governing military council confirmed the arrival of the ECOWAS representatives, amid reports that the delegation did not stay long in the capital following unconfirmed reports of mutiny by soldiers over unpaid salaries. The reports claimed that Nigers military strongman, General Abdourahmane Tchiani fled the presidential palace.
According to the communication unit of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), the Juntas organ, Abubakars plane landed around 1:00 p.m. (12:00 GMT).
A previous ECOWAS delegation, led by Abubakar earlier this month, failed to meet Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. After the 26 July coup, President Bola Tinubu, who is also the ECOWAS chairman named Abubakar as special envoy to Niger.
According to a source close to ECOWAS, the delegation wishes to transmit a message of firmness to the soldiers in Niamey and to meet President Bazoum who is still being held prisoner.
On Friday, the ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security of the regional organization, Abdel-Fatau Musah announced that this mission aimed to continue to follow the peaceful path to restore constitutional order. At the same time, ECOWAS had indicated that it was ready to engage in armed intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Meanwhile the junta appointed Nigerien prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who spoke with The New York Times, said nothing will happen to captive president.
Zeine also insisted the Niger coup leaders had no intention of collaborating with Russia, or with Kremlin-backed Wagner Group mercenaries.
