Niger Junta Defies Ecowas Sanctions, Refuses to Release Deposed President

West African alliance officially recognizes junta, demands shorter transition to civilian rule, and sets up committee to negotiate easing of sanctions.

Niger's military junta refuses to release deposed President Mohamed Bazoum despite offers from West African alliance Ecowas to lift sanctions in exchange for his freedom.
Ecowas has officially recognized the junta in power in Niger, but maintains sanctions and demands a 'short' transition to civilian rule, shorter than the three years proposed by the junta.
Despite the sanctions, the junta has consolidated its power, forged alliances with Burkina Faso and Mali, and sought military partnership with Russia after severing ties with European countries.
The sanctions imposed by Ecowas have been criticized for emboldening the juntas and centralizing their control, rather than deterring them.
Ecowas has set up a committee of leaders from Togo, Sierra Leone and Benin to negotiate with Niger's junta on a transition to democratic rule and consider easing sanctions.

BBC

South China Morning Post