Tchiani says junta struck coup to avert threat against Nigeria and Niger
Written by Joey Shekwonuzhibo on August 14, 2023
The Leader of the military junta in the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, says the coup in which they overthrew President Mohammad Bazoum was well intended and carried out to avert an imminent threat that would have affected not only the Niger but also Nigeria.
General Tchiani said it is painful to the coup leaders that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Heads of State and Government leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing an ultimatum to them to quit office.
Speaking over the weekend when he received Nigeria’s intervention team , comprising prominent Islamic scholars in the country in Niamey, the coup leader and the Nigerian team agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in his country.
A statement by the leader of the Islamic Ulamma, Sheik Bala Lau, stated that General Tchiani, who accorded the team warm reception, welcomed their intervention.
According to the statement, the military leader said their doors are open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.
