President Bola Tinubu has instructed a delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders, known as Ulamas, to return to the Niger Republic for further diplomatic discussions with the military junta.
This directive came after the Ulamas provided him with a briefing on their recent mission on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Following their meeting with Tinubu, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who led the delegation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the president.
He reiterated the Ulamas’ dedication to engaging in peaceful and constructive dialogues with the military junta in Niger Republic.
Sheikh Bauchi also called for collective prayers across the region to ensure the continuity of peace and harmony.
He said:
“First and foremost, we thank Allah for giving us the opportunity and we appreciate and commend the efforts of his excellency the president”.
“And as you saw, we have just met with him and told him all what went on there in Niger and he appreciated and he still has us the mandate that we should continue to make this dialogue and discuss with the junta over there, because they gave us listening ears and we are sure, through peaceful discussions we’ll be able to achieve what we want.
“We are still going back there to ensure that through peaceful and amicable ways, as spiritual leaders, we’ll be able to do and contribute what we can be able to do.
“What we want? We don’t want war, we want peace to reign in our region. So may Allah continue to bless the president for giving us this opportunity.
“We want serious and fervent prayers from the entire community, across the region so that Allah will grant us that so that peace and harmony will continue to reign.
“Without peace and harmony, there’s nothing we can do. We can’t even enjoy the dividends of democracy and you cannot even practice your religion.
“I’m optimistic, Insha Allah, with this intervention, Allah will answer our prayers.”
Ulama’s emphasized seeking mediation
The Ulamas have expressed their opposition to the idea of war with the Nigerien military, which ECOWAS has suggested as a possible option.
They emphasized their belief in seeking mediation first, in accordance with their religious faith and the Quran, before resorting to war.
This approach takes into account the serious consequences of armed conflict.
The Ulamas’ return to Niger aligns with the sentiments of ECOWAS defense chiefs.
Despite having set a potential day for military intervention as a last resort, these leaders still prioritize diplomacy.
Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, affirmed that diplomatic efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger are making progress.
This comes after discussions between his delegation and the country’s military junta.
Similarly, the United Kingdom’s minister of state for the armed forces, James Heappey, acknowledged Nigeria’s diplomatic mediation efforts.
He also pledged ongoing support to ensure the return of constitutional order in the Niger Republic.
Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of the military junta, had announced a three-year transition plan for handing over power.
However, ECOWAS rejected this proposal and emphasized its unwillingness to tolerate extended transition periods in the region.