Leaders of West African nations claim that conversation with those responsible for the coup in Niger will form the “bedrock” of their response to the issue.
To explore ways to compel Niger to return to democracy, the regional organisation Ecowas is having a meeting in Nigeria.
The group, according to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, is giving diplomacy first priority.
Earlier, if former Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was not reinstated, there had been threats of military intervention.
Correspondents report that resistance to a military solution appears to be rising, not least from within Nigeria and from Mali, which has backed the coup leaders, but the coup leaders in Niger have disregarded the warning.
A new 21-member administration run by the military junta has been proclaimed, with crucial positions going to the coup leaders.
To be sure, Mr. Tinubu is confident that this second Ecowas meeting on settling the Niger situation would be a “defining moment” for a “stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa.”