Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has revealed that the recently ousted President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, shared the difficulties he encountered during his detention by the military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani when he met with a delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Gen. Abdulsalami led a prominent ECOWAS delegation on a visit to the troubled West African nation on Saturday.
The delegation’s mission included discussions with Prime Minister Ali Zeine, who welcomed them upon their arrival at the airport and escorted them to the presidential palace. Subsequently, they engaged in a 90-minute dialogue with General Tchiani and his associates, followed by a meeting with President Mohamed Bazoum.
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In a post-meeting interaction with journalists, Gen. Abdulsalami conveyed, “During our encounter with him, he expressed his perspective on the situation. He conveyed the actions taken against him and the challenges he is presently grappling with.”
Abdulsalami stated that this information would be communicated to the leaders of ECOWAS, signaling a receptiveness to initiating discussions for a sustainable resolution.
QUEST TIMES earlier reported that Ali Zeine assured that the junta which toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, would not harm him.
Speaking to New York Times from Dakar, Zeine, the highest-ranking civilian chosen by the military junta, underscored Niger’s nonviolent history, stating firmly, “Nothing will happen to him, because we don’t have a tradition of violence in Niger.”
Zeine also categorically denied any intention of cooperation between Niger’s coup leaders and Russia, including the Kremlin-linked Wagner group mercenaries.