The peace talks undertaken by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS’) high-powered delegation to the neighbouring Niger Republic, to meet with the country’s military junta, has failed.
The delegation led by the retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, with Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and others on the entourage, we’re only able to meet with representatives of the junta.
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ASHENEWS recalls that after the military ouster, and the declaration of the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani as the head of a transitional government, the ECOWAS had issued a seven-day ultimatum for Bazoum’s reinstatement, with a further threat of using force on the junta.
Following advise from many quarters, Tinubu sent a high-powered delegation to the country to meet with the coup leaders, on Thursday, which failed.
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However, the military junta in Niger announced that it has severed ties with Nigeria, Togo, United States, and its coloniser, France.
“The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger” to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated,” Radio France International quoted one of the putschists to have said on national television.
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Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, in a statement by the White House on Thursday, declared his support for the ECOWAS-led Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu to reinstate Bazoum.
According to Biden, Bazoum’s release is essential for defending fundamental democratic values, and standing up for constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly, which are foundation to the partnership between Niger and the US.
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“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard-earned democracy.
“The United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades-long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance,” he said in the statement.
Amid fears of growing conflict, some European countries have evacuated their nationals from Niger.
With additional report by Daily Trust
