Niger Military Junta Seeks Mediation of Togo

The military regime in Niger on Monday, November 6th, 2023 sought mediation from Togo to negotiate with the international community, especially the West African countries that had previously imposed sanctions on them. 

The Minister of Defense in Niger, General Salifou Moby, engaged in discussions with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé in the capital city, Lomé. The military takeover on July 26 resulted in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS ) imposing strict financial sanctions on Niger, aiming to pressure the military and restore constitutional order, as the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown. 

General Moby criticized these sanctions, referring to them as "cynical," and expressed gratitude to Togo for maintaining communication with the military regime following the coup, unlike many other nations.

The President of the Republic of Togo has been asked to mediate and facilitate the dialogue with various partners and also requested to be the guarantor for the French military withdrawal agreement. 

 Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey expressed readiness to help as a facilitator in the dialogue between Niger and the international community.

 "Togo always opposes any takeover by force, and opposes any coup d'etat, but in the particular situation of your country, Togo understands and wants to help you", he said. 

 Togo has previously acted as a mediator, such as in the case of the release of Ivorian soldiers in Mali.

Currently, the military regime is requesting a transition period of up to three years to return to civilian governance, while ECOWAS is urging the prompt reinstatement of constitutional order. 

However,the Chairman of ECOWAS,Tinubu , mentioned that there are ongoing informal communications. Niger is currently facing two militant uprisings; one stemming from a prolonged conflict in Nigeria's neighboring southeast region and another in the west, initiated by militants crossing over from Mali and Burkina Faso.