‘We Have Agreed’ – Niger Coup Leaders Give New Update After Meeting Council Of Ulamas

The coup leaders in Niger Republic have agreed to open dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the current political situation in the country.

This is based on the outcome of the negotiations between the coup leaders led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani and a delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars led by the national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the two groups met on Saturday in Niamey to discuss the political crisis in Niger Republic.

Following the deliberations, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, was quoted to have said General Tchiani gave the green light for talks with ECOWAS and was optimistic the talks with ECOWAS would take place in the next few days.

He also expressed optimism that the sanctions against the country would be lifted.

“We have agreed and the leader of our country has given the green light for dialogue. They will now go back and inform the Nigerian President what they have heard from us. we hope in the coming days, they (ECOWAS) will come here to meet us to discuss how the sanctions imposed against us will be lifted,’’ he said.

Furthermore, a statement by the leader of the Ulamas from Nigeria, Sheikh Lau as made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, confirmed that Tchiani told them the coup leaders were open to dialogue in resolving the issue.

According to the statement, the Islamic clerics held several hours of meeting with the coup leaders and agreed to explore dialogue in resolving the situation.

“Nigeria’s Intervention Team comprising prominent Islamic scholars in the country at the weekend met with the coup leaders in Niger where both parties agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in that country.

“The Islamic Ulammas led by Sheik Bala Lau met with General Abdourahmane Tchiani for several hours in Niger’s capital Niamey during which they deliberated on all the issues including the demand by ECOWAS leaders that former President Bazoum be reinstated.

“Bala Lau, who is the National Chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, said the clerics were in Niger on behalf of President Bola Tinubu who accepted their request to intervene.

“Sheik Lau said the team had earlier told President Tinubu who is also the Chairman of Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government that their position is that the political impasse in Niger be resolved through dialogue.

“He, therefore, told General Tchiani that the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to toe the path of peace instead of war to resolve the crisis.

“Responding, General Tchiani, who accorded the team warm reception, welcomed their intervention.

“He said their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.

“General Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.

“He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to stave off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.

“He also apologized for not according the team sent by President Tinubu, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum.

“While tracing the historical ties between the two nations, he said Niger Republic and Nigeria were not only neighbours but brothers and sisters who should resolve issues amicably,” the statement reads.