A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS, led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, Abdusallam Abubakar, landed in Niger on Saturday for further dialogue with the military juntas of the country.
This comes as the regional bloc continues to explore diplomatic options for resolving the political impasse in Niger following the ousting of the country’s president, Mohammed Bazoum, by military coupists early last month.
Although ECOWAS, through its Defense Chiefs, has indicated readiness to invade the landlocked country and reinstate the ousted Bazoum, many have continued to prevail on the bloc to toe the paths of dialogue and economic sanctions, hence this latest move by its delegation.
It will be recalled that, earlier this month, the attempts of the ECOWAS delegation, also headed by Abubakar, to meet Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, proved abortive.
According to a source close to the most recent delegation, it will see Bazoum and deliver “a message of firmness” to the army officers, reports the AFP.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, is also part of the delegation.
