- Tinubu directs Muslim Ulamas to engage in dialogue with Niger junta, seeks commitment to avoid force in resolving crisis
- President values Ulamas’ role, aims to explore dialogue fully, reiterates ECOWAS commitment to defend Niger’s democracy
President Bola Tinubu has directed that the delegation of Muslim Ulamas mediating the Niger Republic crisis return to the junta to obtain a preliminary commitment.
Following a closed-door meeting with the president, the delegation’s leader, Ustaz Abdullahi Bala-Lau, stated that Tinubu was eager to avoid the use of force in resolving the crisis and restoring constitutional order to Niger.
He stated that Tinubu accepted their recommendations to avoid the use of force in resolving disputes of any kind, particularly those involving neighbours and long-time allies.
The president was receptive of our suggestions about avoiding the use of force by all means. Just as we have spoken to the leaders in Niger and they accepted to avoid violence, the president also accepted it.
That is why he is sending us back to Niger to continue with the dialogue about restoring constitutional order to the country. He also directed us to remind the military leaders that there is a pending ECOWAS decisions about the takeover, Bala-Lau said.
He described the Ulamas’ intervention as positive, adding that it enabled the junta to accept the ECOWAS delegation of retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad III.
Bala-Lau stated that Ulamas would return to Niger to continue the dialogue, adding that they understand that war must be the last option considered.
Speaking at the event, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prints, stated that the president’s meeting with the Ulamas demonstrated ECOWAS’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
As you know, the ECOWAS leaders were open to all options but still they are continuing with dialogue aggressively. This is a sign that the military action will be the last option. The Ulamas involvement is a way forward.
Definitely, when you are engaged in a dialogue it’s usually a back and forth issue. All sides must be given opportunity to express themselves fully.
Dialogue and diplomatic trading is not a one off thing and it need to be explored to the fullest. That is what the president is trying to do in this case, Abdulaziz said.
Tinubu reiterated ECOWAS’ intention to defend democracy and protect the people of Niger at the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the West African country on August 10 in Abuja.
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