President Bola Tinubu has instructed the delegation of Muslim Ulamas mediating in the Niger Republic crisis to return to the junta to establish a preliminary commitment.
Following a private meeting with the president, Ustaz Abdullahi Bala-Lau, the leader of the delegation, stated that Tinubu was keen on avoiding the use of force to resolve the crisis and reinstate constitutional order in Niger.
Bala-Lau conveyed that Tinubu embraced their suggestions to steer clear of forceful means in resolving disputes, particularly those involving neighbours and longstanding allies.
“The president welcomed our proposals regarding the avoidance of force in all circumstances. In line with our discussions with the leaders in Niger, who have agreed to shun violence, the president also concurred with the approach. Hence, he is sending us back to Niger to sustain the dialogue on restoring constitutional order in the country. He has also instructed us to remind the military leaders about the pending ECOWAS decisions regarding the takeover,” Bala-Lau explained.
He emphasised the benefits of the Ulamas’ intervention, noting that it allowed the junta to accept the ECOWAS delegation under the leadership of retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad III.
Bala-Lau stated that the Ulamas would return to Niger to continue the dialogue, emphasising their recognition of war as the last option on the table.
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prints, also weighed in, emphasising that the president’s meeting with the Ulamas illustrated ECOWAS’s commitment to dialogue.
“ECOWAS leaders have been open to all possibilities, but they are persistently pursuing dialogue. This indicates that military action is the final alternative. The involvement of the Ulamas is a constructive step forward.”
He underlined that diplomatic dialogue entails back-and-forth engagement, allowing all parties the opportunity to fully express themselves.
“Dialogue and diplomatic negotiation are not isolated events; they require exhaustive exploration. The president’s actions reflect his approach to this situation.”
During the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in Niger held on August 10 in Abuja, Tinubu reiterated ECOWAS’s resolve to safeguard democracy and protect the people of Niger.
“We have reaffirmed our dedication to the people of Niger and the advancement of our entire ECOWAS Community. We will persist in these efforts. According to the communiqué from this extraordinary summit, no option is excluded, including the use of force as a last resort. If we don’t act, no one else will act for us.”
Tinubu affirmed his commitment to supporting Niger’s journey towards peace and democratic stability.
“Although the road ahead will present challenges, I am confident that with our collective determination, we can overcome these obstacles and chart a course towards peace and prosperity for Nigeriens and the citizens of ECOWAS,” Tinubu concluded.
