ECOWAS and the Resolution of Political Crises: Lessons from Nigeria’s Mediation in the 2023 Niger Coup

This study examines the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria's specific diplomatic leadership in responding to the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic in July 2023. The coup triggered a significant multilateral crisis, with ECOWAS threatening military intervention and Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, assuming the chairmanship of the ECOWAS mediation effort. Drawing on crisis management theory and norms of democratic governance in regional organisations, this research analyses the decision-making process within ECOWAS, the effectiveness of sanctions, and the ultimate limitations of the diplomatic response. The study employs a qualitative case study methodology, relying on analysis of ECOWAS communiques, Nigerian presidential statements, media coverage from BBC Africa and Channels Television, and academic commentary published between 2023 and 2024. The research also situates the Niger coup within the broader wave of military takeovers in the Sahel region, including events in Mali and Burkina Faso, to draw comparative lessons. Findings are expected to demonstrate that ECOWAS's leverage was significantly constrained by internal divisions, Sahel solidarity dynamics, and doubts about Nigeria's domestic political credibility as a democracy champion. Policy recommendations address the need to reform the ECOWAS response toolkit and strengthen democratic governance mechanisms within the region. Keywords: ECOWAS, Niger coup, Nigeria, crisis mediation, West Africa.