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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a high-level military delegation, led by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, to visit the Republic of Niger.
Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, made the commendation in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna.
The visit, according to the ACF, marks a positive change in the strained relationship between Nigeria and Niger over the past year.
The statement said: “The forum views this diplomatic engagement as a crucial step towards restoring the historically close and warm ties between the two West African neighbours.”
ACF said it recalls that tension arose between the two countries following the military coup in Niger in July 2023.
The statement noted that in response to the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took decisive action, suspending Niger’s membership and imposing a range of sanctions, with Nigeria taking a prominent lead by sealing its borders, enforcing economic penalties, halting crucial supplies, and warning of potential military action.
According to the ACF, Nigeria’s actions led to a significant worsening of diplomatic relations with Niger, marking a further decline in their already strained relationship.
The statement added: “During this period, Niger forged new alliances with other West African nations, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, and withdrew its forces from the Multi-National Joint Task Force combating terrorism in North East Nigeria.”
The forum commended Gen. Musa for his courageous and patriotic statements during the visit, seeing them as a demonstration of strength in promoting African unity.
ACF encouraged the government and people of Niger to put past differences aside and work towards re-establishing a strong partnership with Nigeria.
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