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President Bola Tinubu has granted approval for a delegation of Islamic leaders (Ulamas) to once again engage in a dialogue with the coup leaders in Niger Republic.
Tinubu reached this decision on Thursday following a meeting with prominent clerics, led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. The clerics had recently convened in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, two weeks prior, engaging in a dialogue with the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
Tinubu’s determination was expressed in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Addressing the delegation of Ulamas, and taking into account the swirling ethnic rumors propagated by domestic political figures both within and beyond the nation’s borders, the President underscored his resolute commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis. This commitment stands firm even as more hawkish individuals push for swifter intervention.
“I am navigating through an immensely serious situation. Beyond ECOWAS’ realm, various other parties could react, individuals and groups beyond our immediate control. I am the driving force restraining those inclinations. I am the pivot holding both ECOWAS and these external dynamics in check,” he revealed.
Addressing the pressing urgency of the situation, the President emphasized, “As of this morning, I have received an influx of phone calls regarding the preparedness of various countries with their military forces and contributions. Nonetheless, I have advised them to exercise patience. I am currently in discussion with the Ulamas, and I will provide further updates.”
Tinubu conveyed to the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for jeopardizing the safety of the entire population of Niger Republic.
“It is unacceptable for them to wield the very weapons entrusted to them for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and then turn these weapons against the very people they are meant to protect,” he expressed.
He assured that ECOWAS remains resolute in its commitment to engage diplomatically with all involved parties and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic.
“I’m drawing a line in the sand, and I’m asking you to coordinate your plans to return to the Niger Republic,” he declared.
Since the seizure of power by the junta from President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023, ECOWAS responded by imposing sanctions on Niger, condemning the coup, and maintaining the possibility of employing force against the military officials involved.
In a determined effort, the West African bloc has granted approval for the rapid deployment of a “readiness force to reinstate constitutional order” in Niger. This initiative is geared towards prompt action while maintaining a steadfast commitment to resolving the crisis through diplomatic means.
Abdulsalami Abubakar, the ECOWAS envoy to the Niger Republic and former Nigerian Head of State, returned from the turmoil-stricken nation with positive news. He reported that the recent meeting between his delegation and the leaders of the Niger Republic coup over the past weekend yielded productive outcomes.
He asserted that diplomacy would not falter in its efforts to reinstate the democratically elected government of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Tiani had previously stated that the junta intended to transition back to civilian governance within three years, yet this move was met with rejection by ECOWAS.
The ongoing situation led to the suspension of Niger Republic by the African Union.
The coup has intensified international concerns regarding the Sahel, a region grappling with escalating jihadist insurgencies associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
Niger marks the fourth West African nation since 2020 to experience a coup, following similar events in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.
The juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali firmly conveyed that any military interference in their neighboring country would be perceived as a “declaration of war” against their respective nations.
This coup represents the fifth instance of such an occurrence in Niger’s history since gaining independence from France in 1960.
The election of Bazoum in 2021 stood as a historic moment, facilitating the nation’s inaugural peaceful transfer of power.
Following the coup, he and his family have been confined to the president’s official residence, prompting growing international apprehension regarding their conditions of detention.
