ECOWAS: No plans for military operation in Niger in near future

The start of a military operation by the forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is not planned in the near future.

The community’s leadership made the remarks, AFP reports.

According to AFP, "intervention is not envisaged at this stage, dialogue plans are still on the table".

ECOWAS imposed trade and financial sanctions against Niger after rebel soldiers toppled the country's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26.

The bloc also issued an ultimatum, which expired on August 6, for reinstating Bazoum or else face the risk of use of force.

It had sought to send a delegation to the capital Niamey on August 8 ahead of a crisis summit on August 10 in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

The coup leaders' letter, dated August 7, said: "The postponement of the announced mission to Niamey is necessary, as is the reworking of certain aspects of the [delegation's] schedule."

The schedule "includes meetings with certain personalities which cannot take place for obvious reasons of security given the atmosphere of the threat of aggression against Niger," it said.