The three-year power transfer plan put forth by the military junta in the Niger Republic apparently received a negative response from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, made this declaration in a Sunday evening interview with the BBC.
Abdourahmane Tiani, the self-declared president of state of the Niger Republic, is quoted by Naija News as saying that the nation will resume civilian control within three years in a late-night speech on Saturday.
The leader of the coup revealed no specifics on the plan, saying that the junta would host a dialogue within 30 days to decide just the general guidelines for the transition.
“Our goal is not to seize control. Political parties are invited to submit their plans for the transition within 30 days, according to TChiani, who spoke after meeting with an ECOWAS delegation led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former president of Nigeria. The transition period would not last longer than three years.
In response to Tiani’s suggestion, Musah said that ECOWAS would no longer tolerate protracted transitional periods in the area.
“Ecowas is unwilling to allow another protracted period of transformation in the area. They simply need to prepare to turn over in as little time as possible, he said.
The sooner they return control to civilians and focus on upholding Niger’s territorial integrity, the better for them, said Musah, who also noted that “the military aspect is very much on.”
The leader of the junta had stated that Niger did not desire war but, if forced, would defend itself against any outside invasion.