Niger Crisis: Sanusi breaks logjam, creates pathway for negotiations

Niger Crisis: Sanusi breaks logjam, creates pathway for negotiations

● Meets Tinubu  in the Villa to discuss his trip

By PHC Telegraph

As ECOWAS countries prepare today to meet in Abuja for a new round of talks on what to do in Niger Republic where a democratic government has been toppled by a military junta, there are very strong signals that a channel of communication with the coupists who have so far refused to meet with official delegations sent to their country by African governments and international organisations may have opened.

Thanks to the effort  of a public spirited ECOWAS citizen and former Central Bank Governor, there is a glimmer of hope that diplomatic contacts between the Nigeriens, Nigerians and leaders of West Africa’s economic community might gain some traction in the weeks to come.

News of the successful breakthrough recorded by Sanusi Mohammed, former Emir of Kano filtered out on Wednesday.

Despite the closure of common borders and the closure of Niger’s airspace, the former Emir who relied on personal contacts somehow entered that country to hold talks with its new leaders.

Details of the conversation between Niger’s military strongman and the one-time banking guru are not yet known.

Although Sanusi spoke to the press after he briefed the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the outcome of his initiative, he insisted that he was not sent on the mission by the Nigerian authorities.

He however admitted that the Tinubu administration was not unaware of his resolve to join in mediation efforts.

The former CBN Governor thus becomes the first high profile Nigerian to establish open contact with the new military overlords since the crisis between ECOWAS and Niger erupted.

Recall that a team despatched by Tinubu which was headed by Abubakar, a former military Head of State, was not allowed to see  Abdouramane Tchiani

According to Sanusi, the crisis in Niger is not one to leave to the government alone as Nigerians and Nigeriens need to be involved in finding a solution.

“I came to brief him (Tinubu) on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger”, former Emir Sanusi told newsmen.

“We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding.”

He went on, “This is the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments.

“All Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger, that works for Nigeria, and a solution that works for humanity.”

According to him, “I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that,” Sanusi noted.

So far, how Sanusi got into Niger – the route that he passed and the identities of those who may have helped to facilitate his movement – are still being kept under wraps.

“This is part of the mystery surrounding his (Sanusi’s) move which has taken everyone by surprise. It will be improper, if not uncharitable for Sanusi to disclose all that”, a source noted.

The source further stated, “I believe the outcome of his mission would help lower tension, give Nigeria and its ECOWAS brothers a better understanding of the situation and open closed doors now that everyone is talking about the use of diplomacy.”

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has slammed new sanctions on Niger. This time, Nigeria’s Central Bank has been mandated to target the financial assets of persons known to have ties with the coupists.

Recall that following ECOWAS directives, Nigeria has cut off power supply to that poor African country, and securely shut its borders in an effort to bring pressure on the new leaders.

It’s not clear what position ECOWAS leaders will take when they meet in Abuja, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained that Nigeria believes in resolving the current impasse through diplomatic means.

He said that Nigeria’s posture has been dictated by the common decisions taken by the economic community

President Mohamed Bazoum, an Arab of Nigerien origin has not been seen since he was eased out of office.

An American diplomat was reportedly in Niger was denied access to the deposed leader.

A freedom fighter is believed to have stepped into the ring to confront the leaders of the Nigerien army who are holding unto power.