A delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars met with the military leaders of Niger on Saturday in Niamey, the capital. The delegation, which was led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said that the Nigeriens are open to diplomacy to resolve the standoff with West Africa's regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The meeting comes as ECOWAS is considering its options for restoring civilian rule in Niger, including potential military intervention. The coup leaders in Niger overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years.
Lau said that the Nigerien leaders emphasized the historic ties between Niger and Nigeria, saying the countries "were not only neighbors but brothers and sisters who should resolve issues amicably." He said that the two sides agreed to continue the dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution.
The meeting is a positive development, as it suggests that there is still a chance for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger. However, it is important to note that the Nigeriens have not yet made any concrete commitments. It will be important to continue the dialogue and build trust in order to reach a lasting agreement.
The Nigerian delegation's visit is a sign that ECOWAS is still committed to a peaceful resolution in Niger. The bloc has suspended Niger's membership and imposed economic sanctions in an effort to pressure the junta to restore civilian rule. However, ECOWAS has also said that it is open to dialogue.
The meeting between the Nigerian delegation and the Nigerien leaders is a step in the right direction. It is important that both sides continue to engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution. A military intervention in Niger would be a destabilizing force in the region and could lead to further violence. A peaceful resolution is the best way to ensure stability and security in Niger.