Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, says he is
committed to the restoration of peace in Niger Republic.
Sanusi spoke on Wednesday hours after his visit to
Abdourahamane Tiani, the coup leader, in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
The former monarch revealed that although government
officials were aware of his visit to the coup leaders, the mission was a
personal one.
He said he briefed President Bola Tinubu on the meeting’s
outcome, adding that it is a matter that requires diplomacy.
“Interventions are
ongoing and we’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to
improve understanding,” Sanusi said.
“This is a time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that
we leave to governments. All Nigerians and Nigeriens need to be involved to
find a solution that works for Africa, for Niger, for Nigeria, and for
humanity.
“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’s visit comes a day after Niger’s military
authorities rejected a tripartite peace mission from the Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations
(UN).
ECOWAS said the diplomatic overtures were aborted following
a late-night communication from the military authorities in Niger indicating
their unavailability to receive the delegation.
Victoria Nuland, United States acting deputy secretary of
state, was also denied permission to meet with Tiani or with ousted President
Mohamed Bazoum.
Instead, she spoke for two hours with other army officers.
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It has always been our way of life, putting other peoples interest above our own interest so we can still maintain the big boy relationship in Africa. Fire is burning but we are busy chasing rats.
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