Niamey:A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) arrived in Niger, where they met with ousted president Mohamed Bazoum on Saturday, indicating their pursuit of a non-military resolution to the country's post-coup crisis. While Bazoum remains under detention, the meeting conveyed his apparent good spirits, despite the ongoing challenges he faces, including electricity cuts.

Bazoum and his family have been confined to the presidential residence since the coup, prompting international concern over their wellbeing. The ECOWAS team also engaged in discussions with the officers responsible for seizing power from Bazoum on July 26, with former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar leading the delegation.

The dynamics surrounding the meeting are emblematic of the complex power play between the deposed president and the military officers who orchestrated the coup. The involvement of ECOWAS, West Africa's regional body, highlights the collective push for a peaceful resolution, even as concerns over Bazoum's treatment continue to mount.

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In a televised address, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the coup, affirmed that the transition of power would not exceed three years. He also cautioned against underestimating the resilience of the new regime in the face of potential challenges.

While ECOWAS has expressed willingness to utilize a "standby force" to reinstate the ousted president, the focus remains on dialogue to de-escalate tensions. However, previous attempts by ECOWAS envoys to engage with Bazoum and the coup leaders had proven futile.

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The multifaceted diplomatic landscape surrounding the crisis underscores the complexities of regional dynamics and the global implications of political shifts in the Sahel region. With Niger becoming the fourth West African nation since 2020 to experience a coup, ECOWAS leaders are compelled to respond, particularly given the backdrop of rising jihadist insurgencies.

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As the situation unfolds, the international community closely watches the precarious balance between diplomacy, potential military intervention, and the ever-present security challenges in the Sahel. The successful restoration of democracy in Niger hinges on both the effectiveness of regional diplomacy and the resilience of its political institutions.