Ahead of Thursday’s ECOWAS extraordinary meeting, The Nigerian Islamic leader, who was the 14th Emir of Nigeria’s Kano Emirate, Muhammadu Sanusi, briefed ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu on his intervention efforts in resolving the Niger Crisis.
No details have emerged about the outcome of the Emir’s intervention efforts as at the time of this report. However, there are indications that the meeting between Emir Sanusi and General Tchiani was constructive. Speaking on his visit, Emir Sanusi said “I have spoken with the head of state, the new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and we are conveying a ‘message’ to Nigerian, President Bola Tinubu”. He added that he is not an emissary of the government.
Sanusi, who visited the Nigerian presidential villa to intimate Tinubu on Wednesday following his interactions with the coup leaders in Niger, says he was warmly welcomed there. He emphasized his commitment to ongoing mediation for the restoration of peace in the country, highlighting that his intervention is a personal endeavor.
There have been questions about the success of this visit, coming against the backdrop of several unsuccessful efforts by some top Nigerian government and religious leaders in the last weeks. One reason that may have been responsible for the success of this round of consultations with the Nigerièn military junta is the fact that Sanusi is the spiritual leader (Khalifah) of the Tijaniyah Islamic movement in Nigeria, a sect of Sufis that has strong roots in Niger Republic, and with millions of members across West Africa.
Even more important is that Sanusi was accompanied by the Emir of Damagaram, centered in Zinder, the capital of Zinder region of Niger, an area recognised for its strong Tijanniyah presence and its significance in the political structure of the Republic.
Political watchers point to the fact that the relationship between the Emir of Damagaram and Emir Sanusi provides an opportunity for the junta to consolidate on its political relevance across the country by showing its willingness to join in arbitration efforts supported by leaders of the region.
As the 14th Emir of Kano, & leader(Khalifa) of the Tijaniyyah Order in Nigeria, Sanusi is one of the most powerful Muslim leaders in West Africa & Africa, observers say. When Sanusi was appointed the Nigerian leader of the sect in March 2021, the Emir of Damagaran was among those who attended his turbaning at the time.
