President Bola Tinubu is currently engaged in a private meeting with a delegation of influential Nigerian Muslim leaders (Ulamma) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This delegation, led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, has played a crucial role in attempting to prevent a full-scale war situation in Niger following the recent coup.
Amidst the crisis, these Islamic leaders volunteered to mediate with the coup plotters on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Following the necessary approvals, they held discussions with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the junta.
The purpose of today’s meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja is for the Ulamma to provide President Tinubu, who also serves as the chairman of the ECOWAS’ Authority of Heads of State and Government, with an update on their visit to Niger and the current political situation in the country.
Recent ECOWAS meetings in Abuja have resulted in strong condemnation of the Niger coup, as well as the imposition of sanctions on the West African nation. ECOWAS leaders have demanded the reinstatement of President Mohammed Bazoum, warning that a failure to comply will lead to the deployment of military personnel to restore stability.
Despite the warnings from ECOWAS, the leaders of the junta have proposed a three-year transition program, which has prompted Niger’s suspension from the African Union. The Ulamma, concerned about the devastating consequences of war, have been making frantic efforts to prevent further turmoil in the West African subregion.
