NIGER COUP: LEADERS READY FOR DIALOGUE AS ARMY AND POLICE PROTECT NIGERIAN EMBASSY
The Nigerian embassy in Niger Republic has denied a viral
report that its embassy was burnt by angry protesters in Niamey, Niger.
This was contained in a statement signed by Liti Auwalu,
for the Nigeria Ambassador to Niger and made available to our correspondent on
Saturday.
The statement explained that it is true the protesters
tried to gain access to the embassy, the Nigerien military and police managed
the situation, adding that the embassy is well guarded.
The statement read, “It has been brought to our notice
that fake videos showing the torching of the Chancery Building in Niamey by
protesters is circulating on various social media platforms
“We reiterate that the videos are fake and as such the
general public is enjoined to disregard such videos.”
The Embassy wishes to inform the general public that even
though protesters tried to gain access to the Embassy on July 30, 2023, the
Nigerien Military and Police Authorities promptly curtailed the situation.
“At the moment, the Embassy is well guarded by the
Nigerien Military and other Security Authorities.
“We reiterate that the videos are fake and as such the
general public is enjoined to disregard such videos.”
Meanwhile
the leader of the Niger Junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, has agreed to
explore diplomatic dialogue to resolve the political impasse in the country.
Tchiani on Saturday said, their doors were open to explore
diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter. This was during a meeting with
Nigeria’s intervention team comprising Islamic scholars led by the national
chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, Bala Lau.
According to a statement personally signed by Lau on Sunday, the
cleric told Tchiani that “the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive
dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to embrace
dialogue instead of war to resolve the crisis.”
Tchiani expressed sadness that the Economic Community of
West African States issued ultimatums without hearing the junta’s side of the
matter.
Tchiani, it was learnt from Niger Republic’s Prime
Minister, Ali Zeine, was ready for a dialogue, expressing hope that the talks
with ECOWAS would take place in the next few days.
Tchiani expressed
sadness that the Economic Community of West African States issued ultimatums
without hearing the junta’s side of the matter.
Zeine noted, ‘’We have agreed and the leader of our country
has given the green light for dialogue. They will now go back and inform the
Nigerian President what they have heard from us. We hope in the coming days,
they (ECOWAS) will come here to meet us to discuss how the sanctions imposed
against us will be lifted.”
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