In a bid to promote peace and stability in the Sahel region, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has granted permission to major Islamic groups to engage in negotiations with the military government that ousted Niger Republic’s democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The decision came after an interactive session held at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ulama, prominent Islamic scholars, led by Sheikh Bala Lau of the Izalla group and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen, joined by leaders of other sects, met with President Tinubu to discuss strategies for resolving the ongoing conflict in Niger Republic.
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Their collective mission is rooted in their religious faith and the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize seeking mediation before resorting to war.
Addressing the media after their meeting with the President, Sheikh Bala Lau stated, “The delegation of Ulama here in Nigeria met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution. We want peace and harmony to reign not only in Nigeria but also in the sub-Sahara region and globally. So, the whole Ulama advised Mr. President that we want peace and reconciliation.”
Citing Islamic principles, Sheikh Bala Lau continued, “Always if there is anything that happens between you and your neighbor, the Holy Quran commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation. Our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers over there in Niger Republic, the scholars as well, on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.”
Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmed further emphasized their commitment to peace and justice, stating, “The President, like he said, welcomed our intervention. And he has promised that if we could also talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concessions, then ECOWAS, of which he is chairman, is also ready.”
The Ulama delegation’s initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s stance against coup d’etats in the Sahel region. A democrat himself, Tinubu expressed his dedication to democracy, justice, freedom, and peace in the sub-region. “We as Ulama are also committed to peace and justice, and the President will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate,” Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmed affirmed.
The Ulama’s mediation mission has received support from various quarters, including former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who also met with the military leader in Niamey, Niger’s capital. Sanusi, having returned from his visit, provided a brief account of the discussions with the military leaders to President Tinubu.
As the diplomatic efforts gain momentum, Nigerians and observers around the world are hopeful that the Islamic scholars’ intervention will pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Niger Republic. The collective goal remains centered on restoring stability, democracy, and prosperity to the Sahel region.
In the spirit of unity and reconciliation, the Ulama and stakeholders from Nigeria and Niger Republic are determined to explore peaceful avenues to put an end to the current crisis and uphold the principles of harmony and cooperation within the region.
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