Niger’s Military Junta Commits to Diplomatic Negotiations

AFRICA: General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s junta, has taken a decisive step towards resolving the political deadlock in the country by agreeing to engage in diplomatic discussions.

According to report, General Tchiani conveyed this willingness over the weekend during a meeting with a Nigerian delegation that included Islamic scholars, led by Bala Lau, the national chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah.

In a statement issued on Sunday and personally signed by Lau, he conveyed to General Tchiani, “Our visit to Niger was aimed at fostering constructive dialogue to encourage you and your fellow military leaders, who are behind the coup, to embrace peaceful discussions instead of pursuing a path of conflict to address the crisis.” Responding to this, General Tchiani affirmed, “Our doors are open to the exploration of diplomatic avenues to bring about peace and resolution to the ongoing situation.”

General Tchiani also expressed his concern that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had formulated demands without adequately considering the perspective of the junta. Notably, according to Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Zeine, General Tchiani is fully prepared for a dialogue and is optimistic about potential talks with ECOWAS in the coming days. Zeine emphasized, “We have reached an agreement, and our country’s leadership has granted approval for dialogue. The next step involves the Nigerian President being briefed on the outcome of our discussions. We anticipate that in the near future, representatives from ECOWAS will convene with us to deliberate on the lifting of sanctions that have been imposed.”

This shift towards diplomatic engagement, if it goes through, will be a major development in addressing the crisis through peaceful means.

BY: DANIEL THEO COLE