Niger Military Opts for Dialogue, Cites National Interest
A week after the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the group that orchestrated the removal of Niger’s president, Mohamed Bazoum, on July 26, 2023, has explained the rationale behind the government change. They have also indicated an inclination to participate in discussions.
The leader of the junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who spoke in Niamey, the capital of Niger, over the weekend while receiving Nigeria’s Intervention Team led by Sheik Bala Lau, stated that the military intervention was prompted by an imminent threat to both Niger and Nigeria that needed to be averted.
In a statement he signed yesterday, Lau, the National Chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikatu Sunnah, cited Tchiani as explaining the rationale behind the coup.
He said that Tchiani, who gave the team a warm welcome, claimed that the rebellion was well-intentioned, adding that they acted to avert an imminent threat that would have affected both Niger Republic and Nigeria.
Lau stated that the junta appreciated the Nigerian team’s intervention and that they were open to exploring diplomacy and peace to resolve the situation.
Tchiani, according to the release, stated that it was agonizing for the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not listen to their side of the story before issuing the ultimatum to resign.
He also apologized for not giving the team sent by President Bola Tinubu and led by a former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), the necessary attention due to their anger at the ECOWAS ultimatum.
Tchiani, tracing the historical connections between the two nations, stated that Niger and Nigeria were not only neighbors but also siblings who should resolve their differences amicably.
Lau stated that the team had previously conveyed to President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, that the political impasse in Niger should be resolved through dialogue.
To resolve the crisis, he informed Tchiani that the purpose of the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to follow the path of peace rather than conflict.
The Nigerian Intervention Team, comprised of eminent Islamic scholars, has consented to pursue dialogue as a means of resolving the political crisis in Niger.
The Islamic Ulammas met with Tchiani for several hours, during which time they discussed all issues, including ECOWAS leaders’ demand that former President Bazoum be reinstated.
Sheik Ahmad Abdulrahman, a member of the intervention team and the Chief Missioner of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, told reporters in Niamey following the meeting that, contrary to some media reports, the team was well received by Tchiani and both parties had productive discussions.
He stated, “We will now return home and report our discussions to President Tinubu, urging him that war is not an option for resolving the issue.” We believe that conflict is ill-fated and that a peaceful resolution should prevail.”
Sheik Kabiru Gombe –Secretary, Jamatul izalatul bida waikamatul sunnah; Sheik Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina –Director, Daawah, JIBWIS; Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, representing Sheik Ibrahim Bauchi; and Dr Khalid Aliya –Secretary General, Jammatul Nasril Islam are members of the team.
Others included Sheik Karibullah Nasiru Kabara, leader of the Nigerian Khadriya group; Sheik Ahmad Abdurahman, Prof. Salisu Sheri, deputy secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; Sheik Nasiru Abdul Muhayud, director of administration for JIBWIS Jos; Prof. Mansur Sokoto, and Alhaji Mele Kyari.
In the meantime, the Defense Headquarters has denied rumors circulating on social media that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) were approached with a request to alter the nation’s leadership.
In a statement issued by the Defence spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military emphasized that it never received, entertained, or made such a declaration to any individual or organization.
The military voiced concern over the false information, attributing it to opponents attempting to destabilize the nation.
The statement articulated AFN’s position on the issue, emphasizing its unwavering dedication to democracy. They pledged their allegiance to the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In addition, the military reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Nigerian Constitution.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also urged President Tinubu to abide by the rule of law when deploying troops to quell the coup in neighboring Niger.
In a statement, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, asserted that President Tinubu’s deployment of Nigerian troops without the sanction of the National Assembly violates constitutional provisions.
The rights group warned that President Tinubu could be impeached if he deploys troops to Niger, arguing that “the President would be better off focusing on ending Nigeria’s internal contradictions and the ceaseless bloodshed by armed terrorists than wasting energy and scarce resources fighting another people’s war.”
HURIWA urged the National Assembly to assert its constitutional duty to protect the nation’s interests and ensure that all military engagements adhere to legal procedures.
HURIWA argued that Section 5 (4) of the Constitution states that the President cannot declare a state of war between the federation and another country without the approval of the National Assembly and that the deployment of armed forces outside Nigeria requires prior Senate approval.
Similarly, HURIWA questioned President Tinubu’s reliance on the ECOWAS Parliament’s approval for military action.
The association argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not provide the ECOWAS Parliament with the constitutional authority to authorize the deployment of Nigerian soldiers in foreign territories.
HURIWA also noted that the ECOWAS Parliament had refused to authorize the use of military force to remove the coupists who usurped power by the barrels.
Niger Military Opts for Dialogue, Cites National Interest
