Niger Republic’s military, Junta, has agreed to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to address the political crisis that has plagued Niger Republic, leading to a military coup.
This was disclosed by Nigeria’s Intervention Team, which comprised of scholars from various Islamic sects in the country, after a meeting with the military on Saturday, 12th August 2023.
The team, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, met the coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, and deliberated on issues surrounding the coup, including the ECOWAS’ demand to reinstate former President Bazoum.
Sheikh Lau said the team’s request for intervention was approved by President Bola Tinubu after which they proceeded to Niger to meet the military leader.
According to Lau, General Tchiani accorded the team a warm reception and welcomed their intervention.
He said;
Our doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter. It was painful that ECOWAS leaders did not hear our side of the matter before issuing an ultimatum to quit office.
Abdourahman Tchiani – General
He further claimed the coup was well intended, adding that they struck to stave off an imminent threat that would have affected not only the Niger Republic but also Nigeria.
Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a coup on Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
Story: Hauwa Mohammed.