Nigerien FM discusses terrorism with Sudanese officials
December 23, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan and Niger agreed to work together in combating terrorist groups during talks held on Wednesday between Nigerien foreign minister Aisha Bolama in Khartoum with her Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour.
The minister expressed confidence in the Islamic coalition recently announced by Saudi Arabia to which Sudan and Niger were named as members among more than 30 others.
“When Saudi Arabia is leading such an alliance, we have confidence in its objectives and principles,” Ghandour said.
He went on to say that Sudan is willing to commit in any manner to the coalition even if it means sending ground troops when necessary.
Ghandour said that his discussion with the Nigerien official focused on counter-terrorism particularly since the region has become hotbed for terrorist groups.
He added that they also discussed issues of common interest such as oil, agriculture and livestock on which agreements will be signed on Thursday.
Mrs. Bolama for her part confirmed her country’s full commitment to fighting terrorist groups that kill the name of Islam.
She told reporters that the war against terrorism must be global without excluding any country which is why Niger joined the Saudi alliance and pointed out that Muslims are the primary victims of terrorist acts.
The Nigerien minister recalled the massacres committed by Boko Haram in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and her own country, calling on the international community to support the anti-terrorism coalition.
She described her visit to Sudan as important, and solidarity with Sudan in all fields especially the issue of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The visiting minister was alluding to the African support to the Sudanese President against the war crimes court.
On a different matter, Ghandour has warned Sudanese gold fossickers against trespassing in the lands of neighbouring countries .
He said in reply to a question on the murder and arrest of some Sudanese prospectors in Niger, that the president of Niger has released the Sudanese who entered Niger illegally.
He said his government was working for the release of Sudanese now under arrest in a number of countries.
“President Bashir is leading effort with the heads of state and I am working with my counterparts in Egypt and Algeria to free our citizens who illegally entered those countries territories,’’ added Ghandour.
Regarding the deportation of some Sudanese nationals from Jordan , Ghandour said “illegal entry of any country is unlawful.’’
(ST)