- After the military putsch in West African Niger, the putschists are apparently open to a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
- Putschist leader General Abdourahmane Tiani said his door was open to the path of diplomacy and peace to resolve the matter.
- The West African community of states Ecowas has also shown itself open to talks with the military leadership in Niger.
This was announced by the head of a delegation of Islamic clerics, Nigerian Sheikh Bala Lau, after a meeting with Niger’s new ruler, General Tiani. The Nigerian delegation traveled to the Niger capital Niamey on Saturday amid tensions between Niger and the currently Nigerian-led bloc Ecowas. Sheikh Lau said the team discussed all issues, including Ecowas’ call for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by the July 26 coup.
Legend:
Apparently General Abdourahmane Tiani is ready for negotiations in Niger.
REUTERS/Balima Boureima
For his part, Tiani defended the motives for the coup. Niger’s new rulers have so far refused to receive official Ecowas delegations. One delegation had to leave after a short stay at the airport, and another was banned from entering the country.
Efforts so far have been unsuccessful
Ecowas has imposed sanctions on the country and threatened violence if the putschists don’t reinstate President Bazoum. On Thursday, Ecowas leaders ordered a riot force to be activated to restore constitutional order in the country. At the same time, efforts to find a peaceful solution should continue to have priority.