General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader behind the recent coup in Niger Republic, has shown willingness to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This positive development comes after his meeting with some Nigerian Islamic Scholars, notably led by the national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, in Niger Republic.”
Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic disclosed that General Tchiani has granted his approval for talks with ECOWAS. He also indicated that there is an air of optimism surrounding the upcoming dialogue, with expectations pointing towards the talks being convened in the next few days.
‘’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.
Meanwhile, while disclosing the outcome of the meeting with General Tchiani, Sheik Bala Lau noted that consensus was reached among all parties to embolden the prospects of dialogue as a means to resolve the political impasse.
According to him, the delegation was a response to President Tinubu’s approval to intervene and to encourage General Tchiani and his fellow coup orchestrators within the military ranks to embrace the avenue of peace, pivoting away from the precipice of conflict. He disclosed that General Tchiani embraced the delegation and expressed gratitude for their intervention, stating his readiness to explore diplomatic channels in the pursuit of peace for the nation’s development.
In response, General Tchiani warmly embraced the delegation, expressing gratitude for their intervention. The general reiterated their readiness to explore diplomatic channels in the pursuit of peace for the nation’s quandary.”
Nevertheless, General Tchiani didn’t shy away from expressing the coup leaders’ grievance: the lack of opportunity to present their side of the story before ECOWAS imposed their ultimatum. He maintained that the coup was launched with noble intentions, designed to avert a looming threat that could have reverberated not only within Niger Republic but also across the borders into Nigeria.
Furthermore, General Tchiani extended an apology for any perceived lack of attention accorded to the delegation sent by President Tinubu, headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). This oversight, he explained, was rooted in their discontentment over the ECOWAS ultimatum.
