The military overthrew Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum last week in a coup d’état that made headlines throughout the world.
Niger was subject to harsh sanctions on Sunday by the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) heads of state.
Babagana Kingibe of Nigeria headed a special ECOWAS mission that met with the leaders of Libya and Algeria to discuss the crisis in the Niger Republic.
Niamey, Republic of the Niger The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mission headed by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe expressed optimism that the discussions will prevent a potential military intervention in response to the Niger situation. Kingibe oversaw the interaction with the leaders of Libya and Algeria.
Kingibe served as the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s Special Envoy to Lake Chad.
The ECOWAS delegation to Niger does not prioritize waging war.
We want to find a diplomatic solution, the septuagenarian is quoted as saying in a piece published by The Punch on Friday, August 4.Nobody wants conflict, certainly not with friendly, neighborly people who live across the border from us and with whom we share a language, culture, and religion.
Speaking with Libya and Algeria, two nations that border Niger to the north, will also help to foster the unity necessary for calm negotiations, Kingibe added, according to a story in This Day newspaper.
He stated:
“Of course, this kind of situation requires solidarity. It requires coordination with all parties that are relevant to the situation.
“In that regard, Libya and Algeria are also very important neighbours of Niger.
“So, my mission is to go there with a message from President Tinubu. To brief them on the ECOWAS position and solicit solidarity and cooperation.”
Details about the Niger coup leaders recalling the Nigerian ambassador
In related news, Legit.ng stated that the military junta in the Republic of Niger, which is commanded by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, intends to recall the Niger ambassador to Nigeria after failing to reach an agreement with the ECOWAS team about the restoration of democracy in Niger.
As it works to remove French and US troops from the nation and declares an end to all Memorandums of Understanding between France and the Republic of Niger, the junta also plans to recall Niger’s ambassadors to Togo, the United States, and France.