General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the ECOWAS Envoy to Niger Republic, expressed confidence on Tuesday that the ongoing crisis in Niger is unlikely to escalate beyond the realm of diplomacy.
Abubakar, who is a former Nigerian Military Head of State, spoke to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu, who is the chairman of the authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS.
The meeting also included the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
General Abubakar recently held discussions with ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum and the junta leaders in the country.
He conveyed the terms presented by the junta led by Abdouramane Tchiani to ECOWAS.
Abubakar reported that communication has commenced between the West African regional bloc and the military in Niger.
He said that the channel of contact established by ECOWAS through his envoy role has yielded productive results, expressing optimism that tangible progress will soon emerge.
Abubakar said: “As you are aware, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have made me an envoy to Niger Republic and we were there over the weekend to see the military people and discussed to find a way out of the lacuna we find ourselves.
“So that’s why I’m here this afternoon, together with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, to give a report back to Mr President on our discussions in Niger. I must say that our visit to Niger has been very fruitful and that it has opened an avenue to start talking and hopefully, we’ll get somewhere.”
On the divergence in opinions of both the regional bloc and the junta about return to quick return to democratic rule, Abubakar said: “Well, like I said, we’ve started talking, they have made their own points and then I made my report to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of state and President. He will now consult with his colleagues and then the ding-dong starts and we’ll get somewhere hopefully.”
Asked if there was any possibility of avoiding military action, he said: “Hopefully diplomacy will see the better of this. Nobody wants to go to war, it doesn’t pay anybody, but then again, our leaders have said if all fails and I don’t think all will fail, we’ll get somewhere we’ll get out of this mess.”
Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period.
*THE NATION
