Diplomats from the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are set to convene in Abuja, the capital of the nation, today. Their focus will be on significant decisions at an Extraordinary Summit centered around political developments in the Niger Republic.

This special summit, which is anticipated to strategize the removal of the current junta, will be under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of States and Government.

In related news, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has cautioned both the Federal Government and ECOWAS against resorting to military actions in Niger. The Deputy Secretary-General of the council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, issued a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that sanctions akin to those imposed by ECOWAS could have detrimental socio-economic consequences for both Nigerians and Nigeriens, considering their shared history and borders.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi II, a former emir of Kano, engaged in discussions with Tchiani in Niamey to address the political deadlock arising from the overthrow of President Bazoum. Sanusi also held talks with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, refraining from disclosing the specifics of his conversation with the President.

Tinubu, as the head of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, also met with leaders from various Islamic sects within Nigeria. These leaders sought his endorsement for intervening and negotiating with their counterparts in the Niger Republic.

Concurrently, Rhissa Ag Boula, a former rebel leader and politician in Niger, initiated a movement opposing the military government established through a coup on July 26. This movement, known as the Council of Resistance for the Republic, aims to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the takeover.

To address the ongoing political crisis, the UN, AU, and ECOWAS have planned a collaborative session. A senior diplomat revealed that the UN's Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, is expected to participate in this session.

The junta led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani has adamantly resisted diplomatic pressure to restore Bazoum to power. Following the coup, ECOWAS implemented a series of sanctions against the nation to compel the military leaders to reinstate the deposed president. Despite these efforts, the junta has not complied and has declined to engage with diplomatic envoys, including former military president Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria has imposed additional sanctions, preventing Nigerien banks from conducting financial transactions with Nigerian counterparts, in addition to restricting the coup leaders and their associates.

As the opposition to the coup gained traction, former rebel leader Boula expressed his intention to reverse the military intervention, asserting that Niger is suffering due to actions taken by those responsible for its protection. Boula, who previously led Tuareg uprisings in the 1990s and 2000s, is endorsing efforts by ECOWAS and other international actors to reinstate constitutional order in Niger.

Despite these developments, a video statement by army spokesman Amadou Abdramane has not provided evidence for alleged claims that France is attempting to undermine the junta's credibility by creating insecurity in the country. Paris has denied such accusations.