By Daily Democrat
Sarki Alhaji Musah Yahaya Yendu, the Greater Accra Zabarma Chief, convened a National Day of Prayers on Sunday, August 20, with the aim of seeking Almighty Allah’s intervention to resolve the political tensions in Niger and other African nations.
The event also aimed to foster unity among Nigerian communities in Ghana, encouraging them to join in prayers and extend unwavering support not only to Niger but also to Africa as a whole.
The National Day of Prayers symbolized a collective stance for unity, dialogue, and peaceful solutions during these challenging times. He called upon all attendees to advocate for understanding and the well-being of Zabarma community members and fellow Africans in Niger.
The event commenced with a full Qur’an recitation and drew the participation of hundreds of youth from various groups related to Niger and other African countries. Notable figures such as the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, other prominent imams, chiefs, and opinion leaders from the Zabarma and Zongo Communities in Ghana also took part.
Amidst escalating tensions resulting from Niger’s political crisis, which prompted the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to threaten military intervention. Nigerians in Ghana and the diaspora sought divine intervention to prevent potential violence.
Following a meeting of regional army chiefs in Accra from August 17 to 18, it was decided that if diplomatic efforts set for August 19 failed to yield results, military action would be enacted through the ECOWAS standby force.
Niger’s political landscape has been in turmoil since the coup on July 26, 2023, which led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Addressing the gathering, Sarki Alhaji Adamu Tanko Nuhu, the General Secretary of the National Council of Zabarma Chiefs, conveyed on behalf of the Greater Accra Zabarma Chief that in times of national instability, unity and solidarity were not only compassionate acts but moral imperatives.
Sarki Nuhu emphasized that the Zabarma community, consisting of those who had settled in Ghana after leaving Niger, was undergoing a period of transition. As neighbours and members of the same community, he emphasized the importance of offering empathy and understanding.
While acknowledging that prayers might not immediately change circumstances, Sarki Nuhu underscored their profound power to provide solace to those affected. He stated that prayers transcended boundaries and served as a symbol of shared hope for a peaceful resolution, reminding all attendees of their common history, struggles, and aspirations as part of a greater African family.
Sarki Musah Yahaya Yendu, Zabarma Chief of Greater Accra, expressed the unwavering commitment of the Zabarma community and Ghanaian citizens to stand in solidarity and compassion, offering support to their Zabarma brethren and the entire nation of Niger. He assured them that they were not alone on this journey.
According to Sarki Yendu, the National Day of Prayers was not merely optional but a necessity. He hoped that their prayers would provide solace, strength, and renewed purpose to their fellow Zabarma community members and the entire nation of Niger during these challenging times.
