Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan Abubakar were among the trio selected for a diplomatic mission aimed at negotiations with the Niger junta.

Photo Credit: @AbdulFagge

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), headed by former Nigerian military leader Abdulsalami Abubakar, encountered a humiliating incident during their visit to Niger.

The delegation’s members were prevented from leaving the airport by the Nigerien junta, according to sources. The three-member team, tasked with negotiating with junta leaders, was not granted entry into the country. The mission, aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the situation in Niger, was anticipated to  be fruitful, but it seems to have turned into a diplomatic challenge.

The delegation, comprised of Abdulsalami Abubakar, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, arrived at Niamey airport. However, General Moussa Barmou, the Head of General Staff, informed them that entry into the city was not possible due to security concerns. The delegation was confined to a room at the airport.

Despite the public perception that official meetings were taking place, images circulating online showed the ECOWAS leaders being held by Niger soldiers at the airport. After hours of pleading to meet with junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the delegation left Niger without making progress.

This incident marks the third delegation sent by ECOWAS to engage with the situation in Niger. Previous attempts by the delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar and other diplomatic efforts have not led to a resolution.

ECOWAS defense chiefs have been discussing intervention plans, and President Tinubu notified the Nigerian National Assembly about the possible deployment of troops. However, the Senate advised exploring a political solution to the crisis. The situation remains complex, and the regional bloc’s next steps are yet to be formally announced.

Source: Premium Times