United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has made a call to Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his leadership roles at the ECOWAS Second Extra- ordinary Summit on the situation in the Republic of Niger.
In a statement attributed to his Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Monday, noted the importance of maintaining pressure on National Council for Safeguard of Homeland (CNSP) to restore constitutional order and to see President Mohamed Bazoum and his family released.
Media Bypass News had earlier reported that Niger’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown, detained by his guards on July 26, 2023 and the call for his release by ECOWAS, AU and international community have proven abortive.
On Friday, the United States Goverment has said it will be joining the ECOWAS Heads of States to hold Nigerien Military junta accountable to safety and security of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the constitutional government.
Nigeria’s Intervention Team comprising prominent Islamic scholars in the country over the weekend met with the coup leaders in Niger where both parties agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in that country.
The Nigerien Military leader, General Tchiani who accorded the team warm reception, welcomed their intervention, adding that their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.
General Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.
He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to starve off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.
He also apologised for not according the team sent by President Tinubu led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum.
While tracing the historical ties between the two nations, he said Niger Republic and Nigeria were not only neighbours but brothers and sisters who should resolve issues amicably.
