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In a heartfelt plea for peace and stability, the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu, has called on African leaders to prioritize diplomatic interventions in resolving the ongoing political turmoil in Niger. The revered religious leader emphasized the importance of finding a solution that avoids the loss of lives and sustains peace in the region.
During a press conference organized by the Muslim leadership in Ghana, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu conveyed his message of peace. He urged the leaders entrusted with the affairs of the nation to utilize every possible measure to ensure that the political crisis in Niger is resolved without any loss of life. His passionate appeal resonated with the belief that African nations should strive to resolve their political differences without resorting to violence, as they all share a common origin in Prophet Adam.
The press conference witnessed the presence of several influential Muslim leaders, including Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission; Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen, National Imam of the Shia Community; and Sheikh Amin Bonsu, National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission. Alhaji Abubakar Yakub, a representative of the Imam of Ahlussuna Wal Jama, and the National President of the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haroun Ciessey, were also in attendance.
Maulvi Salih, representing the Muslim leaders, expressed their collective concerns about the delicate situation in Niger and the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy military forces to the country. They highlighted the potential for a humanitarian crisis to emerge and affect the wider sub-region should civil unrest escalate due to military intervention.
Amidst the economic challenges faced by many countries, Maulvi Salih underscored the need for leaders within the subregion to exercise caution when making decisions that could exacerbate existing socio-economic issues. He called for the adherence to principles of justice, emphasizing that any actions taken within the subregion should be equitable for all member countries. Drawing attention to previous instances, he noted that ECOWAS refrained from military intervention in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, and he argued that similar restraint should be exercised in Niger.
The Muslim leaders further implored the leadership of ECOWAS to be vigilant about the geopolitics and unhealthy competition of global powers that often contribute to latent confrontations and proxy wars. While condemning the coup in Niger and similar incidents across the sub-region, they highlighted the potential negative impact of external influences on the internal affairs of African nations.
The call for diplomatic solutions to political crises, particularly in a fragile and interconnected region, resonates with the urgent need for peace and stability. Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu and the Muslim leadership’s message reflects the broader sentiment of prioritizing dialogue, collaboration, and justice over violence and conflict. As the world continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, their voices serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect lives, preserve peace, and promote unity within the African continent.
In a time where cooperation and understanding are essential, the influential words of these religious leaders remind us of the shared humanity that binds us all. As African leaders deliberate on the best course of action for Niger, their decisions will undoubtedly shape not only the immediate future of the country but also the broader destiny of the region. May the spirit of diplomacy and empathy guide these deliberations, leading to a peaceful resolution that uplifts the lives of all Nigeriens and strengthens the bonds of unity across Africa.
