Niger's military-appointed prime minister expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has issued threats of using force to reinstate civilian rule following a coup in July.

Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine emphasized that they have been in ongoing communication with ECOWAS and have a positive outlook regarding the prospect of reaching an agreement in the near future. ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, had imposed substantial sanctions on Niger after rebel soldiers ousted the democratically-elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26. Additionally, ECOWAS has repeatedly cautioned about potential military intervention to restore Bazoum, but only if peaceful diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis prove unsuccessful.

The prime minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, expressed readiness for potential attacks and stated that all necessary preparations have been made. He emphasized the unjust nature of such a conflict and affirmed their determination to defend themselves if an attack occurs.

A central issue in the ongoing crisis is determining a timeline for the return to civilian governance. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the current ECOWAS chairman, recently proposed a nine-month transition period, drawing parallels with a historical period in Nigeria's past. The Nigerian presidency noted that if Niger's military authorities are sincere, a similar timeline could be implemented in Niger. Additionally, Algeria, Niger's influential neighbor to the north, has suggested a six-month transition period.

The military authorities have not yet provided a response to these proposals, maintaining their earlier stance of a three-year transition period.

ECOWAS has adopted a firm stance regarding Niger, given the series of coups that have occurred in the region since 2020. In Mali and Burkina Faso, the military has assumed control, and these nations, like Niger, have experienced significant military losses in their ongoing battles against a persistent jihadist insurgency.

In 2021, Guinea also experienced a coup when its octogenarian president, Alpha Conde, sought a third term in office, a move contested by his opponents who argued it violated constitutional limits.