The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: The Muslim leadership of Ghana has unanimously kicked against the decision of ECOWAS to deploy military force in the neighbouring country of Niger.

According to them, such a decision could have a long-term repercussion on the stability of the subregion, which has member states battling with economic challenges and issues of terrorism.

“The best option is for the community to send a team of some well-respected leaders to that country to dialogue with the Junta and agree on terms and conditions to return the country to democratic rule,” said Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana.

He was speaking on behalf of the heads of various Muslim sects and organisations at a press briefing organised by the Office of the National Chief Imam.

The Muslim leaders have also urged the leadership of ECOWAS to be wary of the geopolitics and unhealthy competition of global powers, which historically advance their interests through latent confrontations and proxy wars.

“Nevertheless, we wish to strongly condemn the coup in Niger and in any other part of the subregion,” Maulvi Salih said.

He also called on the regional body to be just among member states and expect that interventions that ECOWAS intends to carry out in Niger would be extended to other countries being governed under undemocratic regimes.

“Just as ECOWAS did not intervene militarily in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, justice demands that a military force should not be an option in the case of Niger,” he said.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, said it was important for West African countries to avert a situation that would plunge the country into unrest characterised by bloodshed and loss of lives.

“My appeal to those in charge of the affair is to take every measure to ensure we can resolve the situation without losing a soul, so we can sustain the peace,” he said.

Present at the press briefing were Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen, National Imam of the Shia Community, and Sheikh Amin Bonsu, Chairman of the Amin Bonsu, National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission.

Also present were Alhaji Abubakar Yakub, a representative of the Imam of Ahlussuna Wal Jama, and Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haroun Ciessey, the National President of the Tijaniya Muslim Movement.