President Bola Tinubu’s primary focus this week has been the Niger Crisis, with most other matters taking a back seat as he worked tirelessly to resolve the impasse.
In his capacity as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu conducted a series of high-profile consultations and meetings throughout the week.
As a reminder, the regional bloc had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS had emphasized the potential for sanctions, including the option of military intervention, if the junta failed to comply.
However, the coup leaders dismissed these threats and expressed their determination to resist foreign interference.
All attention was on Nigeria and ECOWAS to see their next steps.
Undoubtedly, many Nigerians are against military action in Niger Republic due to the fact that seven Nigerian states share a border with Niger.
On Sunday night, the President engaged in crucial consultations with governors from states sharing borders with Niger Republic. This gathering provided a pivotal platform for the President to address the escalating situation in Niger.
The governors include , Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Idris Nasir of Kebbi State, and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.
Likewise, on Tuesday, ECOWAS announced supplementary sanctions against entities and individuals linked to the military junta in Niger Republic.
The President instructed the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement these additional sanctions.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale noted that these measures were the result of a consensus among all ECOWAS member states and their respective heads of state, rather than a unilateral action by a single nation.
On Wednesday, the former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, met with President Tinubu to provide a comprehensive account of his recent discussions with leaders of the Niger Coup.
Sanusi emphasized the significance of public diplomacy in resolving cross-border tensions and stressed that this challenge requires collective involvement beyond government efforts.
Sanusi clarified that his involvement was not at the behest of the government, although government officials were informed of his mission.
President Tinubu also held a meeting with leaders representing various Islamic sects within the country. These leaders sought the President’s approval for their intervention and negotiation with counterparts in Niger Republic.
The clerics emphasized their opposition to war with the Nigerien military and highlighted their religious obligation to seek mediation before resorting to conflict.
In closing, the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in Niger Republic took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu affirmed the regional bloc’s unwavering commitment to supporting Niger’s journey towards peace and democratic stability.
The summit authorized the standby deployment of ECOWAS troops to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger if necessary.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State issued a directive to restore constitutional order in Niger and warned member states against actions that impede peaceful resolution, emphasizing consequences within the ECOWAS community.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the military rulership of the Republic of Niger had thwarted ECOWAS’ attempts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means.
No doubt, the Niger Crisis serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between regional stability and the imperative to uphold democratic principles. President Tinubu’s relentless efforts, ECOWAS’ unified stance, and the involvement of various stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative solutions in resolving complex geopolitical challenges.
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