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Ex-Nigerian Central Bank Head Sanusi Meets Coup Leader in Niger

Lamido Sanusi, the spiritual leader (Khalifah) of the Tijaniyah Islamic movement in Nigeria and former Governor of the Nigerian Central Bank, met in Niamey on Wednesday August 9, 2023 with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of the junta that ousted the elected President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum. Sanusi is a close ally of Nigerian president and current Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) chairperson Bola Tinubu, who has said diplomacy is "the way forward" for restoring constitutional order in Niger.

The junta has rejected a proposed visit by representatives of the Ecowas, the United Nations and the African Union, citing "evident reasons of security in this atmosphere of menace" against Niger. Ecowas has imposed sanctions and has threatened to take military action to return Bazoum to power.

On August 7, U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland spent two hours in Niamey talking with some of the coup leaders, principally the new armed forces chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, to "express our grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting the democracy and constitutional order". Nuland called the talks "extremely frank and at times quite difficult".

Her request to see Bazoum was denied, and she also was not able to meet with Tchiani. On August 8, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with Bazoum to convey "ongoing support for a solution that restores Niger to democratic rule and constitutional order".

The West African country's military rulers took power in a coup in late July 2023. Ecowas plans to meet in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Thursday August 10 to discuss how to deal with the coup in that country after Niger closed its airspace and ignored a seven-day deadline by Ecowas to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.

Premium Times

Lamido Sanusi, the spiritual leader (Khalifah) of the Tijaniyah Islamic movement in Nigeria and former Governor of the Nigerian Central Bank, met in Niamey with the leader of the junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

Staff Sgt. Amy Younger / U.S. Air Force

Brig. Gen. Moussa Barmou, Niger Special Operations Forces commander, with Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, U.S. Army Special Operations commander, at Air Base 101 in Niger, June 12, 2023.

InFocus

Militaires nigériens. RFI/ Nicolas Champeaux

Nigerien soldiers (file photo).

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