Present Tinubu sends delegation to Niger for talks

In line with the resolution reached at the extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the current political impasse in Niger Republic.

File: President Tinubu

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the potential impact on regional stability and development, he has taken decisive action by dispatching two delegations to engage with the relevant stakeholders and find a swift and peaceful resolution.

The first delegation, led by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), departed for Niamey on Thursday following a comprehensive briefing by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

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Accompanying General Abubakar are esteemed personalities, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray.

Their combined wisdom and experience are expected to play a vital role in facilitating meaningful dialogue and fostering understanding among the parties involved.

In addition to engaging directly with the key actors in Niger Republic, President Tinubu has shown foresight by sending a separate delegation, led by Babagana Kingibe, to hold discussions with the leaders of Libya and Algeria concerning the Niger crisis.

This strategic move demonstrates ECOWAS's commitment to seeking support from neighboring countries and other regional players to help resolve the complex political situation and restore stability to Niger.

During the comprehensive briefing, President Tinubu urged both delegations to approach their respective missions with determination and diplomacy.

He emphasized the significance of robustly engaging all stakeholders in Niger to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the crisis.

The President's directive highlights the critical importance of prioritizing the principles of democracy and regional peace in the pursuit of lasting solutions, rather than being influenced by the geopolitical positions of external actors.

General Abubakar, who spoke after the meeting, conveyed his optimism about the outcome of the delegation's meetings with the coup leaders in Niger.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the delegation to effectively present the demands and aspirations of the ECOWAS leadership, seeking cooperation and genuine dialogue to pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Both delegations are approaching their assignments with a sense of purpose and determination, underpinned by a collective desire to achieve success in resolving the situation in Niger.

Their efforts are guided by the understanding that a peaceful resolution is not only essential for the stability of Niger but also crucial for the overall peace and development of the African continent.

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As the world watches closely, ECOWAS and its Chairman, President Tinubu, stand firm in their commitment to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation to overcome the current challenges in Niger Republic.

By working together and upholding the principles of regional solidarity, ECOWAS aims to foster an environment conducive to lasting peace and prosperity, recognizing that the stability of one nation is intimately linked to the well-being of the entire West African region.