As Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders meet on Thursday, August 10, to deliberate on further steps to be taken on the political developments in Niger, reports emerging from the country say the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, met with the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, on Wednesday.
ECOWAS leaders are scheduled to meet tomorrow after the 7-day ultimatum issued the coup plotters to return the country back to civil rule failed on Sunday. Earlier, a statement had been released by the regional body acknowledging the junta’s cancellation of a scheduled meeting with an ECOWAS/AU/UN delegation.
His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano and His Eminence, the Sultan of Damagaram, from Nigeria, met with Gen. Tchiani, some of his colleagues and Niger traditional figures in Niamey.
Observers say this and similar behind the scene initiatives combined with diplomatic efforts are likely to yield more effective results than military intervention in Niger.
