On Monday, Niger's military-appointed prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement with the West African bloc ECOWAS.

ECOWAS has previously threatened to use force to reinstate civilian rule following a coup in July.

"We have not stopped contacts with ECOWAS, we are continuing contacts. We have good hopes of reaching an agreement in the coming days," Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine told a press conference in Niamey.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has imposed significant sanctions on Niger following the coup on July 26 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been democratically elected.

Additionally, ECOWAS has issued multiple warnings about the potential use of military intervention to restore Bazoum to power, but only as a last resort if peaceful efforts to resolve the crisis prove unsuccessful.

"We are bracing to be attacked at any time. Every preparation has been taken. It would be an unjust war. We are determined to defend ourselves if there is an attack," Zeine told reporters.

A crucial issue in the crisis revolves around the timeframe for the restoration of civilian rule.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, proposed last Thursday a nine-month period similar to the transition Nigeria experienced in the late 1990s.

"The president sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger, if Niger's military authorities are sincere," the Nigerian presidency said in a statement.

Algeria, Niger's influential northern neighbor, has suggested a six-month transition period. However, the military authorities have not yet responded to these proposals, having previously indicated a three-year transition period.

ECOWAS has adopted a tough stance towards Niger, following a series of coups in the region since 2020. Military takeovers occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso, where, like Niger, armed forces have suffered significant losses due to a prolonged jihadist insurgency.

Additionally, a coup took place in Guinea in 2021 after the country's octogenarian president, Alpha Conde, sought a third term in office, a move that opponents argued violated constitutional limits.