Niger expressed frustration after the West African bloc postponed its diplomatic mission to the country due to technical issues with the plane scheduled to transport most of the delegation from Abuja to Niamey.
The prime minister designated by Niger’s military regime criticized Ecowas, an alliance of West African nations, for what he perceived as “bad faith” when only Togo attended the scheduled meeting.
Ecowas clarified that their absence wasn’t intended as a slight against Niger but was due to “technical problems with the aircraft chartered for the flight from Abuja to Niamey.”
The bloc assured that the mission would be rescheduled promptly.
Ecowas has enforced stringent sanctions on Niger since a coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July. It has repeatedly called for President Bazoum’s release since he was placed under house arrest. Additionally, the bloc has threatened military intervention and halted all trade relations with the landlocked nation.
Niger’s junta had hoped the meeting would help improve diplomatic relations with Ecowas member countries.