ECOWAS Rejects Niger Junta's Proposed Election Delay

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a proposal by Niger's military junta to delay elections for three years, prolonging the political crisis following the July coup. ECOWAS has been seeking diplomatic solutions but activated a regional force ready for deployment if talks fail. The junta eventually agreed to meet an ECOWAS delegation, expressing willingness to cooperate but also proposing a three-year transition to democracy. ECOWAS maintains its position of restoring constitutional order without delay and releasing the ousted president. The bloc's reputation has been at stake as coups erode democracy in the region, and it has imposed sanctions on Mali and pressured other military governments to restore civilian rule. Niger has faced international sanctions since the coup.