Leaders of the military junta in Niger Republic are ready to explore diplomatic means to end the West African country’s political impasse.
The announcement came after General Abdourahmane Tchiani met and spoke to Nigerian Islamic clerics led by Bala Lau, the national leader of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah.
According to reports, the leader of the military junta, who ousted President Mohammed Bazoum, expressed concern that ECOWAS issued ultimatums without hearing their side of the story.
And while echoing the Nigerian delegates, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Zeine stated that Tchiani was ready for a discussion and expressed hope that the talks with ECOWAS would take place soon.
He also hopes that going into the meeting, the series of sanctions imposed on the country by ECOWAS member states would be lifted.
We have reached a consensus and our head will authorize beginning discussions,” Zeine added. “The group will deliver Nigeria’s viewpoint. We anticipate that shortly, representatives from ECOWAS could be here to discuss about waiving off these penalties.”