Niger: Junta declares willingness to negotiate with Ecowas
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Lamido Sanusi and junta leader in Niger
In a dramatic U-turn, the junta controlled government of Niger Republic, headed by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has declared willingness to dialogue with the regional bloc—ECOWAS.
The latest development is coming after the coupists since booting President Mohamed Bazoum out of office on July 26, turned down several peaceful moves.
While speaking during a meeting with Islamic scholars from Nigeria, the junta leader—Tichani was quoted to have said doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the political face-off.
Islamic scholars led by Bala Lau, Chairman of Jam’atul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, met with the junta in Niger’s capital on Saturday.
In a statement Lau issued after the meeting, he said his delegation and the coup leader discussed on several issues including ECOWAS demand for the restoration of constitutional democracy.
When probed if the discussion for dialogue took place, Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, said, “Yes, for sure. That was exactly what the leader of our country told them, he did not say he was not open to dialogue.”
Zeine further expressed hope that talks with ECOWAS would take place 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.
