By Our Reporter
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the three-year power transition plan proposed by the military junta in the Niger Republic.
ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, declared this during an interview with BBC on Sunday evening.
Reacting to Tiani’s proposal, Musah said ECOWAS would no longer accept prolonged transition periods in the region.
“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 said.
“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.”
Musah also added that the “military aspect is very much on”.
In a late-night address on Saturday, Abdourahmane Tiani, Niger Republic’s self-declared head of state, said the country will return to civilian rule within three years.
The coup leader gave no details of the plan, noting that only the principles for the transition would be decided within 30 days at a dialogue to be hosted by the junta.
The junta head earlier said Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention if compelled to.
