A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Nurain Mumuni has advised President Bola Tinubu to involve the African Union or the United Nations in dousing the tension over allegations of state-sponsored terrorism in Niger Republic.
Mumuni made the call in a statement made available to Arogidigba Global Journal on Sunday through his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar.
Arogidigba Global Journal recalls that Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has last week alleged that France is providing financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State.
But, Mumuni in his reaction, said the accusations of state-sponsored terrorism or similar serious allegations can be resolved through a variety of diplomatic, political and military measures.
The APC chieftain suggested the involvement of neutral third parties, such as the United Nations, the African Union or other trusted nations to facilitate dialogue and help mediate the dispute between the two countries.
The security expert maintained that allegations of state-sponsored terrorism can lead to heightened tensions, instability and undermine regional peace initiatives.
He added that similar accusations in the past have had significant ramifications for regional security, reflecting the complex interplay between politics and security in volatile areas.
He suggested that there is also a need to conduct independent investigations into the allegation, saying such an allegation may trigger escalations of violence if not urgently addressed.
“Direct negotiations between the involved parties can help clarify misunderstandings and reduce tensions. Diplomatic channels may involve bilateral talks, mediators, or involvement from regional organizations. Involving neutral third parties, such as international organizations, for example, the United Nations or African Union or trusted nations, can facilitate dialogue and help mediate disputes.
“Parties often issue public statements to refute accusations and clarify their positions. This can include diplomatic notes, press releases, or speeches aimed at restoring credibility and public trust. Implementing confidence-building measures, such as joint military exercises or intelligence-sharing agreements, can help rebuild trust and demonstrate commitment to addressing security concerns collaboratively.
“Conducting independent investigations into allegations can serve to establish facts and clarify accountability. Findings can help validate or refute claims and guide further actions. In some cases, international bodies may impose sanctions on parties involved, which can pressure governments to engage in dialogue or change their behaviours.
“Establishing rapid response mechanisms for conflict situations can help manage escalations more effectively, allowing for timely dialogue and conflict resolution. Ultimately, the resolution of such accusations often requires a multifaceted approach that balances diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, and addressing underlying grievances to restore trust and stability in the region.
“Similar accusations in the past have often had significant ramifications for regional security, reflecting the complex interplay between politics and security in volatile areas”.