Ex-Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, West Africa’s chief mediator in the Niger issue, told the BBC that military action remains the last option for resolving the situation in the country.
He stated that his delegation from the regional organisation Ecowas has begun negotiations with military junta chairman Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani and expressed optimism for a peaceful outcome.
Gen Tchiani unveiled a three-year transition plan, which Ecowas has rejected at the weekend.
Despite the possibility of military intervention, West Africa is on edge as the junta leader remains stubborn.
While Ecowas emphasizes that all alternatives remain open, the junta’s announcement of a three-year restoration to democratic governance has regional leaders perplexed as to how to react.
General Abubakar, on the other hand, told the BBC that his recent journey to Niger “opened a room for discussion and diplomacy.”
In terms of using force, he stated that “all measures will be put in place to ensure that Niger returns to constitutional authority… It does not necessarily imply going to war; nonetheless, no one is planning or wishing to go to war because the outcome of a battle is unknown.”
General Abubakar also visited with the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum.
The president “made a lot of complaints about the way he has been treated, we have confirmed that they have cut off light (electricity) to him and they are keeping him in custody,” Gen Abubakar said.
“He was naturally very bitter about the way he has been treated and he claims he is being kept a prisoner for no reason at all.”
The former Nigerian leader also stated that Ecowas sanctions were having a negative impact on Niger and were fueling antagonism toward the regional group.
