Title: ECOWAS negotiations with the putschists in Niger: The Sultan of Sokoto on the front line
Introduction :
Since the coup d’état in Niger on July 26, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been making efforts to negotiate with the putschists. An ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar, is currently in Niamey to initiate talks. What particularly attracts attention is the presence of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, within this delegation. In this article, we will discover the role and assets of this religious and political leader in mediation between ECOWAS and the Nigerien putschists.
The impressive journey of Abdulsalami Abubakar:
Abdulsalami Abubakar is a former Nigerian head of state, known for his crucial role in his country’s transition to democracy in 1999. After a distinguished military career, he succeeded General Sani Abacha as head of Nigeria in 1998. In less than a year, he held multi-party elections and transferred power to democratically elected President Olusegun Obasanjo. Now aged 81, Abdulsalami Abubakar still chairs the National Peace Committee of Nigeria, responsible in particular for ensuring the smooth running of the elections. His extensive political experience and credibility make him a respected figure in the region.
The Sultan of Sokoto, an influential leader:
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, also has a remarkable career. Before becoming a religious leader, he had a military career and participated in numerous operations with the Nigerian army, notably in neighboring countries such as Chad and Sierra Leone. He also served as liaison officer for ECOWAS in the 1990s. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III is the spiritual leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi order and chairs Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. As Sultan of Sokoto, he is considered the most important spiritual leader in the north of the country. His cultural proximity to Niger, his military experience and his religious influence make him a major asset in the current negotiations.
Conclusion :
The presence of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the ECOWAS delegation negotiating with the putschists in Niger demonstrates the importance given to this mediation. The impressive careers of Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Sultan of Sokoto make them respected and credible personalities. Their presence and their political, military and religious expertise bring additional weight to these crucial negotiations for the return to stability in Niger. It now remains to be seen what the conclusions of these talks will be and whether ECOWAS mediation will make it possible to resolve the current crisis.