After threatening to send in troops to Niger, ECOWAS now says it wants to solve the coup crisis through diplomacy. That’s the message from the bloc’s chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

At the weekend, ECOWAS didn't follow through on its ultimatum to use military force to reinstate President Bazoum. However, further sanctions are being slapped on the administration that grabbed power last month. The Nigerian Central Bank announced new financial penalties to target anyone linked to the coup.

There’s a lot at stake. The takeover in Niamey has visible, widespread support from locals, while military leaders in neighbouring Mali and Burkina have also backed it. Meanwhile, Western countries have a considerable military footprint in the area and key strategic interests. France relies on Niger’s uranium to power nuclear plants. There are also plans for a trans-Saharan gas pipeline from Nigeria to Europe, transiting through Niger. All that could be jeopardised by a catastrophic war.

Chad and ECOWAS member Benin made it clear they were against military intervention, as did Nigeria’s senate. For now, the conflict has been avoided. Listen to the latest statement given by Tinubu’s spokesperson.