In a bid to navigate the escalating political crisis in Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu is currently engaged in high-level deliberations with key stakeholders within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The meeting convened at the presidential villa in Abuja, aim to defuse the mounting tensions and instability in the neighboring nation.
The meeting which is being held at the presidential villa, Abuja, to discuss the political instability in Niger Republic, has President of ECOWAS, Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former head of state renowned for his diplomatic prowess, and Nuhu Ribadu, the esteemed National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Tinubu.
Marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to restore stability, an ECOWAS delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar made its way to Niamey, the capital city of Niger, on the preceding Saturday. The primary objective of this delegation is to conduct what has been termed the bloc’s “final” negotiations aimed at securing the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Among the eminent personalities in the Abdulsalami-led delegation were Muhammad Abubakar, the distinguished Sultan of Sokoto, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, whose presence underscored the gravity of the situation.
Following discussions with Ali Lamine Zeine, the Prime Minister of Niger, the ECOWAS envoys proceeded to engage in a pivotal conversation with the ousted President Bazoum.
While Abdulsalami Abubakar refrained from divulging specific details of the closed-door discussions, he expressed his intention to brief President Tinubu, who concurrently holds the position of the ECOWAS Chairperson, about the outcome.
In a significant address delivered late at night, Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the coup that prompted the crisis, announced his nation’s commitment to a transition back to civilian rule within three years.
However, the specifics of this transition plan were notably absent from Tiani’s statement, with a promise that the guiding principles for the transitional period would be decided within the next 30 days. This decision is expected to be reached through a dialogue hosted by the junta.
Conversely, the Economic Community of West African States has formally rejected the proposed transition plan put forth by the coup leader. The regional body expressed its reluctance to accommodate prolonged transition periods within the sub-region, reinforcing its commitment to swift and sustainable political resolutions.
As the deliberations continue, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will pave the way for lasting peace and political stability in the Niger Republic.
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