West Africa's ECOWAS bloc is planning to send a parliamentary committee to Niger to engage with the coup leaders who took power last month. The committee's visit is part of a last-ditch regional effort to restore civilian rule. The military in Niger imprisoned President Mohamed Bazoum and dissolved the elected government, sparking condemnation from regional powers. ECOWAS, along with the United States and other countries, has activated a standby military force to intervene if diplomatic efforts fail.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the coup, has rejected these diplomatic efforts, raising concerns about the potential for further conflict in the already troubled Sahel region. Niger's stability is of great importance, as it is a major uranium producer and a key ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents. Western powers, including the US, France, Germany, and Italy, have a military presence in Niger, where local groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS have wreaked havoc.

The situation in Niger not only affects the country itself but also has implications for the influence of global powers in West and Central Africa. In recent years, the region has experienced multiple coups, increasing insecurity, and a weakening of democratic institutions. As a result, Russia's influence has been growing as leaders look for alternative partners to restore order.

The ECOWAS parliament met on Saturday to discuss further actions in Niger and established a committee that plans to seek permission from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, to visit Niger. Additionally, a group of Nigerian Islamic scholars led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau met with President Tinubu to secure approval for their intervention efforts. It remains to be seen how these diplomatic initiatives will unfold and whether they will be able to restore civilian rule in Niger.