Sources within the regional military have confirmed this development, with an official at ECOWAS corroborating the information.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, the meeting had been rescheduled due to "technical reasons." This significant assembly comes a week after ECOWAS leaders resolved to deploy their "standby force" with the aim of reinstating Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a military coup on July 26.

The proposition of a military intervention is stirring debate and differing opinions. While nations such as Côte d'Ivoire have expressed readiness to dispatch their armed forces to Niger, ECOWAS underscores its preference for "diplomatic channels" as the primary approach.

This topic is far from uniform in its reception. Various voices from political, religious, and civil society realms in northern Nigeria have emerged, voicing apprehension over the potential implications for their nation and the already beleaguered Sahel region, grappling with jihadist turmoil.

After initially rejecting several mediation attempts by ECOWAS, Niger's military regime notably received a delegation of Nigerian religious leaders this past Saturday. Following the meeting, the military-appointed Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, emphasized Niger's strong interest in nurturing a significant and historical relationship with Nigeria and ECOWAS.

However, the regime's stance remains fluctuating. In an unexpected turn, it announced intentions to pursue legal action against ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on charges of "high treason." As this complex situation unfolds, the region and international community await further developments with bated breath. (ILKHA)