The proposal for a three-year power transition plan by the military junta in the Niger Republic has been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the Cable, Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, expressed this stance in an interview with the BBC on Sunday.
Abdourahmane Tiani, the self-declared head of state in the Niger Republic, announced in a late-night address on Saturday that the country would return to civilian rule within three years.
However, Tiani provided no specific details about the plan, mentioning that only the principles for the transition would be determined within 30 days at a dialogue hosted by the junta.
“Our goal is not to hold onto power. The transition period will be limited to three years, during which political parties are encouraged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days,” Tiani stated.
The junta leader made these remarks following a meeting with an ECOWAS delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nigeria’s former head of state. In response to Tiani’s proposal, Musah made the position of ECOWAS on the extended transition period proposal known to journalists.
“ECOWAS will no longer tolerate prolonged transitions in the region. They must prepare themselves to hand over power as soon as possible,” he declared.
“The sooner they return power to civilians and focus on their primary responsibility of defending Niger’s territorial integrity, the better it will be for them.” He also emphasized the significance of the military aspect in this situation.
The junta leader had previously stated that Niger did not desire war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention if necessary.
Temmyabbe (
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