Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Economic Community of West African States on stability in the region, in the context of the situation in Niger.

The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to undermine democracy, peace and stability in Niger. From the outset of the crisis, the UK has stood firmly behind the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for the restoration of constitutional order and democracy in Niger, and the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family. On 1 August the Foreign Secretary visited Nigeria and met with President Tinubu, ECOWAS Chair, and emphasised the UK's support for ECOWAS' strong statements and leadership on the coup. Minister for Armed Forces also visited Nigeria from 22-23 August where he met the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We are using our diplomatic presence in Abuja to keep in regular contact with ECOWAS and its members, and will continue to engage with and support ECOWAS in its efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.