The person leading negotiations in the Niger crisis from West Africa, former military leader General Abdulsalami Abubakar from Nigeria, has said that using military force is the final choice to solve the problem in the country.
He mentioned that his team from Ecowas has begun discussing with the military junta leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani and is hopeful for a peaceful solution.
Gen Tchiani made a plan that would take three years to complete. However, Ecowas did not agree with this plan.
West Africa is still in a tense situation because the leader of the military group is not backing down even though there is a risk of other countries’ militaries getting involved.
While Ecowas says they are considering all possibilities, the junta’s plan to rule for three years before returning power to civilians has left regional leaders uncertain about how to react.
But General Abubakar said in an interview with the BBC that his recent trip to Niger has created an opportunity for talking and negotiating.
He said that they will do everything necessary to make sure that Niger returns to following the constitution using force if needed. It doesn’t always result in going to war, but no one is planning or wanting to go to war because there’s no way to predict the outcome of a war.
Gen Abubakar also met the former President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The president expressed dissatisfaction with how he has been treated. It has been confirmed that they have stopped the electricity in his place and are keeping him under supervision.
“He felt very angry about how he was treated and he believes he is being trapped without any valid reason. ”
The previous leader of Nigeria said that the penalties imposed by Ecowas were seriously affecting Niger and causing strong anger towards the group of West African countries.
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Use of Forces in Niger our last resort – Ecowas mediator
