Nurain Mumuni, a prominent chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to involve the African Union (AU) or the United Nations (UN) in addressing the growing tensions over accusations of state-sponsored terrorism between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
In a statement released on Sunday through his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni responded to the allegations made by Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani. Tiani had claimed that France was financially supporting Nigeria to establish a military base in Borno State, an accusation that has raised concerns about regional security.
Mumuni emphasized that such serious allegations could have detrimental effects on regional stability and peace initiatives if not swiftly addressed. He stressed the importance of using diplomatic, political, and military strategies to resolve the dispute.
“Accusations of state-sponsored terrorism can lead to heightened tensions, instability, and undermine efforts to maintain peace in the region,” Mumuni said in his statement. He suggested that the involvement of neutral third parties, such as the UN, the AU, or other trusted nations, could help mediate the situation and facilitate constructive dialogue between the two countries.
The APC chieftain also advocated for an independent investigation into the claims to ensure accountability and avoid further violence. “Direct negotiations between the involved parties could clarify misunderstandings and reduce tensions,” he added.
Mumuni further recommended the implementation of confidence-building measures, including joint military exercises or intelligence-sharing agreements, to restore trust and cooperation. He highlighted that independent investigations would help establish facts and guide further actions, noting that international bodies could potentially impose sanctions on those found responsible.
The statement concluded by underlining the need for rapid response mechanisms to effectively manage escalations and prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control. Mumuni stressed that addressing such serious allegations requires a multifaceted approach that balances diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, and addressing underlying grievances to restore stability in the region.
Mumuni’s call for international mediation comes at a critical time, as tensions in West Africa continue to rise over similar accusations and ongoing conflicts. His remarks reflect the complex interplay between politics and security in the region, and the need for comprehensive efforts to maintain peace and avoid further destabilization.
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