Amid growing international pressure to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, held a meeting with the military coup leaders in the Republic of Niger.
According to the Vanguard, the meeting took place after the junta canceled a discussion with representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
Footage of his meeting with the coup leaders emerged on social media, showcasing efforts to find a resolution to the crisis in Nigeria’s neighboring country.
Earlier attempts by a delegation led by ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu, and former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd), to broker peace were unsuccessful as the junta declined a meeting.
As the Khalifa of the Tijjaniya sect, which holds a significant following in Niger, he was accompanied by the Sultan of Damagaran, the third largest city in the country.
Sources confirmed that he made the trip in his capacity, with the knowledge and concerns of President Bola Tinubu regarding the impasse and its potential consequences for relations between Nigeria and Niger, as well as the citizens of both countries.
In the meantime, President Tinubu scheduled a meeting for Thursday, following the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum issued by ECOWAS to reinstate President Bazoum.
The regional bloc had imposed sanctions on Niger and hinted at the possibility of military action, a move that faced strong opposition, particularly from Nigeria.
NigeriaNow (
)
