By John Ikani
The proposal by Niger Republic’s military junta for a three-year power transition plan has been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, emphasized that extended transition periods would not be accepted in the region.
In an interview with the BBC, he stated, “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.”
He also underlined the importance of the military focusing on defending Niger’s territorial integrity.
“The earlier they give power back to civilians and concentrate on their primary responsibility which is defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them,” said Musah.
Regarding the junta’s plan, Abdourahmane Tiani, leader of Niger’s junta, announced that Niger would return to civilian rule within three years.
While not providing specific details about the transition plan, Tiani mentioned that the principles for the transition would be determined within 30 days at a dialogue hosted by the junta.
He stated, “Our ambition is not to confiscate power. The transition period will not exceed three years; meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days.”
Tiani also asserted Niger’s stance against foreign intervention, warning, “Sanctions are not conceived with the aim of finding a solution but to bring us to our knees and humiliate us.”
The situation in Niger took a tumultuous turn in late July when President Bazoum was forcibly ousted from power in a coup led by the presidential guard.
The event prompted intense international criticism and further destabilized an already volatile region in Africa, marked by a history of coups and militant extremism.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS leaders promptly imposed sanctions and made demands of the ruling military junta. ECOWAS had initially given the junta a seven-day ultimatum to reinstate deposed President Bazoum or face military intervention.
During its recent extraordinary summit addressing the political situation in Niger, the organization instructed its military forces to restore constitutional order in the country.
