The former emir of Kano in northern Nigeria revealed on Wednesday that he had traveled to Niamey, the capital of Niger, for the purpose of engaging in mediation talks with the military leaders who orchestrated a coup two weeks ago
“We have had discussions with the leader of the nation,” said Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the ex-emir, referring to General Abdourahamane Tiani, the new leader in Niger.
He mentioned that he plans to convey a “message” to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, as he appeared on Nigerian state television. He clarified that he was not acting as a representative of the government.
Sanusi’s communication occurred just ahead of a crucial summit organized by the West African bloc ECOWAS, focused on resolving the ongoing crisis in the Sahel region. This summit is set to be presided over by Tinubu.
Sanusi is recognized for his close friendship with Tinubu, who was once the governor of Lagos State, where Sanusi is originally from.
“We arrived with the hope that our presence will facilitate substantial discussions between the leaders of Niger and those of Nigeria,” Sanusi stated.
While Tinubu has expressed a preference for diplomatic resolutions, ECOWAS has cautioned that there is potential for a military intervention to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected government
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