ECOWAS rejects Niger military’s transition period

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS has rejected Niger junta’s three-year transition plan to civil rule.
This was made known by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, while speaking in an interview with BBC news on Sunday.

The sub-regional bloc was reacting to the head of Military junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey, capital of Niger on Saturday, stating that he would relinquish power within three years and warned that any intervention by foreign forces would not be a walk in the park.

The Niger military junta has been threatening fire and brimstone, if the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led ECOWAS interfere with the affairs of Nigeria’s neighbouring country.

ECOWAS chief insisted that the junta must hand over to the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in the shortest possible time.
“ECOWAS is not accepting any prolonged transition again in the region. They just have to get ready to hand over in the shortest possible time.

“Military aspect is very much on”.

“The earlier they give power back to civilians and concentrate on their primary responsibility that is defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them.”

Earlier in a televised address broadcast by Tele Sahel, Gen. Tchiani declared, “Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days.
“There’s availability for any dialogue, provided that it takes into account the aspirations of the people of Niger. However, any intervention will open a Pandora’s Box and will not be a walk in the park.”

Tchiani’s warning was at the backdrop of ECOWAS delegation led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd who are in the last ditch for diplomatic approach to Niger’s impasse.